Lawn Mower Safety:

Every summer, we see the same headlines:

"Child Injured in Mower Accident"

Thousands of children are injured each year by power mowers. Most of these injuries could be prevented with a few simple precautions.

• First and foremost, a riding mower is not a toy, nor is it a vehicle. Very often you can see children riding on their father’s lap while he is mowing the lawn. Never let children play or ride on any lawn mower.
• Only use a power mower with a control that stops the mower if the handle is released.
• This control should never be disconnected.
• Do not allow children younger than 14 to use ride-on mowers. Do not allow children younger than 12 to use walk-behind mowers.
• Make sure that sturdy shoes (not sandals or sneakers) are worn while mowing.
• Stones and debris can be picked up and flung across the lawn with deadly force. Do not let children play in the lawn while you are mowing. Prevent injuries from flying objects, such as stones or toys, by picking up objects from the lawn before mowing begins. Use a collection bag for grass clippings or a plate that covers the opening where cut grass is released. Have anyone who uses a mower wear protective eye wear.
• Start and refuel mowers outdoors, not in a garage or shed. Mowers should be refueled with the motor turned off and cool.
• Make sure that blade settings (to set the wheel height or dislodge debris) are done by an adult, with the mower off and the spark plug removed or disconnected.

Many of these suggestions were taken from the American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement on Lawn Mower Safety.