The Menace of the Mower
Every Saturday morning as a child, I would wake to a list of chores my Mom had set out on the kitchen island for me and my sister to complete. My parents had attached a monetary opportunity with each of the chores, the value growing as the task increased in effort. Like many kids, I jumped at the opportunity to make a couple bucks! Mowing the lawn would always be on that list, so if it wasn’t too hot, I’d jump out there and get going. After a few less than careful attempts at mowing our lawn, I had a firm talking to about lawn mower safety and how important it is to prepare for the task at hand. Whether you’re the one that mows the lawn in your household or someone else does it, be sure that you’re protecting whoever that someone is.
Lawn Mowing Safety Tips
- Know how to use the mower and understand the controls.
- Clear the path in front of the mower from debris before mowing.
- Locate and avoid electrical wires that may be in your lawn.
- Do not start the equipment near a combustible material, or areas with poor ventilation or smoke.
- Use a mower with a control that keeps it from moving forward if the handle is released.
- Make sure the mower has had time to cool before you refuel it.
- Keep your hands and feet away from the blades.
- Never use your hands to unclog the mower – think about using a sturdy stick instead.
- Allow only one person on a riding mower at a time.
- Consider buying and using safety glasses to reduce the chance of flying objects getting in your eyes.
- Wear heavy shoes to help protect your feet.
- Do not allow children under the age of 12 to operate a push lawn mower, and age 16 for a riding lawn mower.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there were more than 253,000 lawn mower-related injuries in 2010, and that rate is rising. Keep yourself and the people around you from being a part of that statistic and pledge to be safe when it comes to mowing your lawn! Thanks to company partner Foremost Insurance for contributing to the content of our blog (original blog entry edited for content). Find more helpful safety tips on Foremost’s Blog. Find your local FUA Insurance Agent by clicking here.