Simple Safety Precautions for Operating Lawn Mowers
While the emergence of spring's greenery is a welcome sign of warmer weather, it may suddenly seem as if the grass is in constant need of mowing. Before you haul out the mower, remember that it is a powerful tool with sharp blades.
Too many parents, however, don't realize the potential danger this essential garden tool poses. Diane Von Stein, MD, orthopaedic specialist at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, reports that most of her cases of lawn mower injuries involve young children. "It's the little kids just playing innocently in the yard," says Dr. Von Stein. "It's amazing how many of them are under age 5."
Don't Mow With Kids in Tow
The following guidelines to prevent lawn mower injuries are recommended by Cincinnati Children's and are adapted from safety tips provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission:
- Keep children and others off the lawn and out of the area while the lawn is being mowed.
- Do not allow children younger than 12 to use walk-behind mowers.
- Don't allow children on riding mowers.
- Before backing up on a riding mower, look down and behind the machine. Children are often attracted to the mower and the mowing activity.
- Prevent injuries from flying objects, such as stones or toys, by picking up these objects from the lawn before mowing begins.
- Read and follow the operator's manual.
Lawn mower safety may seem like common sense, but the number of incidents suggests lawn mower injury prevention measures are not commonly practiced. Apply these simple rules to your mowing maintenance routine to help everyone stay safe in your yard.
