Lawn Mowing Safety

Mowing your lawn requires attention to safety.

Mowing is a necessary part of maintenance of a lawn and requires both attention to safety and proper use of equipment. This prevents accidents and injury while working outside.

Preparation

Before the mower is brought out to work, the lawn should be walked and all loose and large debris, like rocks and toys, that are laying around should be picked up. Keeping the lawn clear will prevent debris from being thrown by the blades, which may result in injury.

Riding mowers

Clearing the lawn before you mow can protect you from flying debris.

When mowing on a riding mower, caution should be used on slopes that may be too steep. The owner's manual will list the limits for your mower and these should be followed. If not, the mower can roll or tip, causing injury. Children should also not be allowed to be on the mower while it is running, due to the chance they may fall off.

Push mowers

Keep the mower flat on the ground; it should not be lifted upward while the blades are turning. Moving the mower in reverse should only be done when necessary. Only someone who is older and strong enough to handle the mower should be allowed to use it. When going around corners, bushes or other obstacles, caution should be used in case another person may be nearby.

Basic safety

When moving a mower across a street or sidewalk, the blades should be disengaged. The driver or operator should wear long pants, clothes that are snug fitting and boots for protection from the blades and debris. Other safety gear that should be used includes ear plugs, gloves and safety glasses.

Safety as prevention

Using safety while mowing prevents a variety of accidents. Irresponsible actions such as listening to music on headphones while driving a mower, removing safety guards and not using caution when putting gasoline in the machine can be the cause of many unfortunate incidents. Knowing how to properly use the mower and the safety procedures involved keeps this task accident free.

References

• Briggs and Stratton: Lawn Mower Safety
• University of Michigan Health System: Lawn Mower Safety Could Save Life and Limb this Summer