Did you know approximately 10,000 individuals lose toes or feet in lawn mower accidents every year. Additionally, the most common injuries resulting from lawn mowers include cuts, burns, and broken bones. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize safety when operating a lawn mower.
When mowing your lawn, whether using a push or ride-on lawn mower, keeping specific steps in mind can help ensure it is an enjoyable experience. No matter how many times you have done it, don’t become complacent when operating machinery that can cause harm and injury.
Safety Tips to Follow Before Mowing
Prior to starting to manicure your lawn, keep the following steps in mind:
1. Read the Manual: If this is your first time using the lawn mower, familiarize yourself with the operation manual. It’s also a good idea to review it occasionally to ensure you are using the mower properly.
2. Inspect the Mower: Check for any damage or loose parts, and ensure the blade is sharp and secure.
3. Ensure the Area is Clear: Remove stones, toys, sticks, and other debris from the lawn to prevent projectiles or damage to the mower.
4. Dress Appropriately: Wear sturdy shoes, long pants, and safety glasses. Avoid loose clothing that can get caught in the mower. Flip-flops and sandals should be avoided to prevent injury or loss of toes.
Safety Tips to Follow During Mowing
When mowing, ensure the activity has your full attention and you are following proper actions and procedures. Keep these tips in mind:
1. Be Attentive: Always pay attention to where you’re mowing and avoid distractions.
2. Protect Your Hands and Feet: Never reach under the mower deck while it’s running or the blade is moving.
3. Use Caution: Mow across slopes, not up and down, to prevent the mower from tipping over.
4. Keep Children and Pets Away: Ensure children and pets are at a safe distance while mowing.
5. Don’t Mow in Wet Conditions: Wet grass can cause you to slip and can clog the mower, so it is best to wait until it is dry to be safe.
Safety Tips to Follow After Mowing
Once your lawn is looking pristine, your job isn’t over quite yet. Keep these steps in mind:
1. Turn Off Your Mower: Make sure the mower is turned off and the blade has stopped spinning before cleaning or performing maintenance.
2. Clean: Remove grass clippings and debris from the mower deck.
3. Store Safely: Store the mower in a secure location, away from children.
Extra Safety Tips
- Handle Fuel with Care: Fill the mower outside before starting, and never indoors.
- For Electric Mowers: Check the power cord for damage and keep it clear of the mowing path.
- Wear Ear Protection: Guard against hearing damage.
“On average, 75,000 people are injured in lawn mower accidents each year.”
DF Safety offers a Lawnmower-Operator Safety Course. This CSA-compliant online training class covers the principles of safe operations for push mowers, riding lawn mowers, zero-turn mowers, and various mower attachments (e.g., boom mower). This course satisfies the requirements for the classroom portion of operator safety training.
Lawn mower safety is crucial to prevent injuries and ensure a smooth, efficient mowing experience. By following these safety guidelines, you can help prevent accidents and ensure a safe mowing experience.