Lawn mower safety
1st August 2009
Lawn mowers are powerful electrical tools. They should be treated with knowledge and supervision. Lawn mowers are not toys.
"In 19 years of practice as a plastic surgeon and microsurgeon, some of the most devastating and disabling injuries I've treated are from lawn mower accidents,” said ASRM President William Zamboni, MD. “It's especially concerning when children are injured since most of these injuries are preventable."
The following tips have been recommended by various orgnaisation includign the American Academy of Paediatrics and include;
- Children should be at least 12 years old before they operate any lawn mower, and at least 16 years old for a ride-on mower.
- Children should never be passengers on ride-on mowers.
- Always wear sturdy shoes while mowing – not sandals.
- Young children should be at a safe distance from the mowing area.
- Pick up stones, toys and debris first from the lawn to prevent injuries from flying objects.
- Always wear eye and hearing protection.
- Use a mower with a control that stops it from moving forward if the handle is released.
- Never pull backward or mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary – always look for others behind you when you do.
