Lawn Mower safety is an important topic to go over at the start of the summer season. According to the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, about 13 children in the U.S. receive emergency treatment for a lawn mower related injury every day. This number is surprisingly high as mowing the lawn seems like a simple summer chore. To help lower this number, we have compiled a list of simple tips to keep you and your children safe during the lawn-care season.
Things to do before you mow the lawn. Before starting to mow the lawn make sure that the yard is clear of rocks or stones that could be thrown by the lawn mower. Also, make sure that you are wearing sturdy shoes, and have on protective eye wear. Wearing protective eye wear, especially if it is sunny, will ensure that you have good vision. If you are having your child mow the lawn, be sure to teach them how to properly operate the mower and make sure that they are following all of the steps to keep themselves safe. It is advised that a child should be at least 12 years of age to operate a push mower, and at least 16 years of age to operate a riding mower. The last thing you want to do before you start the lawn mower is to make sure that there are no children in or near the yard you are about to mow. This is the best way to prevent injury of a child while the lawn is being mowed.
Things to do while you mow the lawn. While you are mowing the lawn, be sure to stay aware of your surroundings. Always mow in the forward direction, and it is advised that you use a mower that has an automatic stop feature if the handle is released.
Things to do after mowing the lawn. Once you are done mowing the lawn, safely turn off the mower and wait for the blades to stop before you move forward. Once the blades have stopped, you may safely remove the grass catcher and roll your mower back in its storage space.
Follow these tips to ensure a safe summer for you and your children.
