According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission there are nearly 75,000 lawn mower injuries each year which require emergency room visits. Riding mowers account for half of all injuries, including 100 fatalities. Half of the injuries happen to children under the age of 15.
Fatal and serious injuries have a common theme where the riding mower tips over and the victim falls under or is run over by the mower. Young children are in this category. Find a safe activity to spend quality time with the youngsters after the mowing is finished. A few minutes of fun riding is not worth the risk of permanent injury or death.
Eye injuries are the most common injuries while mowing. The mower blades can throw objects at 200 miles per hour and as far as the length of a football field in the matter of one second. It is important to wear eye protection.
Other injuries associated with both riding and walk behind mowers are hand and foot injuries resulting from contact with the rotating blades, These can be serious injuries that often require emergency surgery and amputation. Other common injuries are burns from hot engine exhausts.
General Safety Notes:
- Never carry passengers.
- Read, understand, and follow the equipment operator’s manual.
- Keep mowers in good repair and provide proper maintenance.
- Pick up any twigs, rocks, and other objects so they don’t become projectiles thrown by the mower.
- Keep pets and humans away from the area. Don’t discharge the mower in the direction that could hurt anyone nearby.
- Keep hands and feet clear of rotating blades, pulleys, and belts.
- Mow up and down slopes with riding mowers.
- Mow across slopes with walk behind mowers.
- Don’t forget your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Sturdy shoes, long pants, ear protection, eye protection, sun protection.
For additional Lawn Mower Safety Information, please visit the following sites:
http://www.uaex.edu/publications/pdf/FSA-1005.pdf
http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/1987/LAWN-MOWER-SAFETY
