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By Diane Griffith, Staff Writer, myOptumHealth
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The appeal of a neatly manicured lawn is undeniable. To get "that look," you'll need a lawnmower. But power lawnmowers, whether walk-behind or ride-on models, are among the most dangerous tools around the home.

About 110,000 people are injured by lawnmowers each year. This includes lawnmower users and people nearby. The injuries range from lost fingers and toes, to deep cuts, to broken and dislocated bones, to burns and eye injuries.

The most common accidents leading to injuries from power lawnmowers are caused by:

• Contact with the rotating blade.
• Contact with propelled objects. Rocks and glass can be hurled over 50 feet at 170 miles per hour.
• Overturning. Riding mowers can flip on slopes and cause contact with blades.
• Running over someone. Children or others can be seriously injured if the operator of a riding mower fails to see them.

Safety tips
Safety begins by reading your lawnmower manual and following all directions carefully. Also, be sure to follow maintenance schedules.

Before starting the mower

• Make sure children and pets are indoors or safely away from mowing areas.
• Wear:
  • Sturdy shoes (no sandals or sneakers) with a good grip
  • Long pants
  • Hearing and eye protection
• Pick up objects to prevent injuries from flying objects, like stones or toys laying on the lawn.
• Start mowers outdoors, not in a garage or shed.
• Refuel with the motor off and cool.
• Do not allow passengers on ride-on mowers.
• Do not operate the mower after taking medications that make you drowsy or after drinking alcohol.
• Do not operate without the grass catcher, discharge guard, or other safety devices in place and working.

Safety while mowing

• Don't use a lawnmower over gravel, stone, or rocks. This goes for pipes, sidewalk edges, and other fixed surfaces, too.
• Do not pull the mower backward or mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
  • This helps avoid running the mower over your feet.
  • Carefully look for children when in reverse.
• Turn off the mower and wait for the blades to stop before leaving the mower, picking up debris, or crossing any gravel paths or roads.
• Follow all directions - including turning off the engine and disconnecting the spark plug or electric cord - before working on the mower or trying to unclog the discharge chute.
• Don't cut grass when it's wet. Slips, which can cause injuries, are more likely.
• Be careful when mowing slopes.
  • Walk-behind mowers should mow across, never up and down.
  • Ride-on mowers should drive up and down, never across.
• Slow down before turning a mower.
• Use extreme care near blind corners and around objects that may block you from seeing a child.

Always put the mower and gasoline away safely when you're done.

Remember to clean and do periodic safety checks on your mower, too. If you are not sure how to adjust a mower or sharpen a blade, see an expert. An annual inspection by a skilled service person may be best.

SOURCES:  

• National AG Safety Database. Mowing and trimming safety. Accessed: 03/02/2011
• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Requirements for walk-behind power lawn mowers, 16 C.F.R. Part 1205. Accessed: 03/02/2011
• University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture. Lawn mower safety. Accessed: 03/02/2011

View the original Lawnmower safety: How to avoid injury article on myOptumHealth.com