Maintaining a healthy and well-trimmed lawn has become quite essential to many homeowners. Though the process of keeping it green and lush could be tedious, a lot of people still take the time and effort to achieve it.
While there are many options available out there to maintain a well-groomed lawn, many homeowners still opt to mow their own yard.
Mowers are considered one of the most useful and helpful equipment when it comes to keeping a lawn healthy. However, they can also be very dangerous.
In fact, mower injuries account for a large percentage of accidental partial or complete amputations in different parts of the world.
Lawn Mower Safety Statistics
Each year, more than 300,000 people suffer from deep cuts, loss of a finger, fractured bones, burns, and other injuries due to misuse or carelessness when using a mower.
The sad part is, more than 10,000 of those accidents involve young children and teens, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Lawn Mower Safety Checklist
Of course, these lawn mower injuries can be prevented. Here are some basic tips to make mowing your yard safe for you and your family.
Check your lawn mower’s condition
- Just like any other equipment, it’s best to make sure that your lawn mower is in good working condition before using it.
- If you’re using it for the first time after being stored for a while, have it serviced to ensure that it’s working properly.
- Debris stuck in your mower must be removed using a stick or broom handle. Do not use your hands or feet.
Proper operation
- Before using a mower, it’s best to read the instruction manual first. Make sure you have a better understanding of how to operate your mower properly to avoid accidents.
- Know how to stop the machine immediately. This will come in a handy in case of an emergency or any unexpected occurrence.
- Do not remove any safety features that come with the your mower, such as shields and guards.
- Make sure to add the fuel before starting the engine and not while running.
- Keep a safe distance from the engine cowling. It can become very hot and could quickly burn your skin.
- As much as possible, do not leave a mower unattended while it’s running. If you must step away from it, make sure to turn off the engine first.
Wear proper clothing
- Avoid wearing baggy clothes when mowing. Loose clothing could quickly get caught up in it and cause accidents.
- Never wear open-toed footwear or anything that exposes your foot. Choose sturdy pair shoes when mowing lawns to protect your foot from the blade or debris that it might throw. It’s also a good idea to wear shoes with good traction to avoid slipping.
- It’s better to wear long pants than shorts while mowing. By doing so, your legs will be protected from any debris.
- Always wear eye protection, such as goggles, while mowing your yard.
- As much as possible, wear sunscreen when mowing to protect your skin from the sun.
Check the terrain before mowing
- Make it a habit to check your yard’s terrain before mowing. Remove any items, such as sticks, stones, toys, wire, and other debris that can cause injuries from flying objects.
- Check for holes in your yard to prevent stepping in them and twisting your ankle while mowing.
- Use extra caution when mowing hills and slopes.
- Do not mow when it’s already dark outside.
Keeping your family safe
- As much as possible, keep your children out of the yard while you are mowing. Typically, young kids do not fully understand the dangers of lawn mowers.
- Do not allow children to play near a mower, whether it is being used or not.
- Never let children ride on a mower to avoid severe feet injuries.
- Double-check your surrounding when mowing to avoid hitting children who might be playing behind you or in a nearby area.
- Make sure to have someone who knows exactly where you’re mowing. This will make it easier for them to locate you in case of an accident.
These are just a few of things you can do to achieve that healthy lawn without compromising safety. Remember, it’s best to be cautious when mowing rather than suffer the consequences.
How To Make Lawn Mowing Safe For You And Your Family was originally posted on schwartzlawncare.com
