Eva Alessia, D.O.
Now that nice weather is here (and hopefully stays!), it is time to get outside and cut that green grass. Here are some lawnmower safety tips to keep your children and family safe:
- Keep children indoors or at a safe distance from the area being mowed.
- Clear your lawn of anything that could be thrown by the mower, such as stones, twigs, toys, etc.
- NEVER allow children to ride as passengers on riding mowers or lawn tractors.
- Make sure any attachments on the mower are on properly.
- Do not mow the lawn during thunderstorms/bad weather, if grass is wet or if there isn’t enough daylight to see properly.
- If the mower is electric, plug it in to a GFCI outlet.
- Wear closed-toe shoes (no flip-flops!) with slip-proof soles, close fitting clothing, safety glasses and hearing protection.
- Look for hidden objects in tall grass.
- If you do hit something, turn the mower off before inspecting for damage, the object, etc.
- Also turn the mower off when removing the catcher, unclogging the chute, crossing paths and roads, and walking away from the mower.
- Be cautious when going around trees, the house, anything that may block your view.
- Do not mow backwards/in reverse.
- On slopes, mow across with a push mower, so you don’t slip under the mower. Mow up and down with a riding mower, so the mower doesn’t tip over.
- Trimmers can also throw objects at a high speed.
- Children should be 12 years old to operate a push mower and 16 years old to operate a riding mower. Have them watch you initially a couple times and then supervise them until you are sure they can be left alone.
Stay safe and have a great summer!
Reference: www.healthychildren.org