Being Safe With The Lawn Mower

Last week I had to cringe as I watched a neighbor’s 12 year old son mowing the lawn bare-footed, wearing shorts and no eye protection. Three major problems that could cause a major accident!

This time of year, hospitals receive many injured children who don’t understand how dangerous a lawn mower can actually be. Several organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics, suggest that children be at least age 12 to use a gas powered mower or at least 16 for operating a riding mower.

Parents should teach the child the right way to use the mower and watch them doing the job to make sure it is done safely. Too many times, we don’t walk the yard to see if there are any objects on the lawn that could get thrown by the mower blades. And while a common occurrence, wearing the right clothing can help prevent a bad cut.

A few suggestions worth considering before mowing:

• Read the directions to the mower you are using and explain them to your child
• Do not mow in poor weather, in an evening or when the grass is wet
• Wear long pants, closed toe shoes and safety goggles

…And while mowing:

• Walk the yard first to check for foreign objects
• If you strike an object in the lawn, turn off the mower before examining the machine
• Puling a mower backwards is just asking for trouble, so don’t! But if you have to, always look for children behind you.
• When mowing on a slope, mow across the face of the slope, never up and down
• Always turn off the mower and allow to cool down before refueling!

A Smart purchase to make for a mower?

Consider going for an electric mower that is operated by battery. Neuton mowers are my first choice. Virtually quiet, the mower can cut up to 15,000 square feet of lawn on a single charge with zero emissions!