Don’t Take Lawn-Mowing Safety for Granted 

Spring has almost sprung. For a lot of us, it’s time to get out and do some yard work – and that includes mowing the lawn. But, when you start up that mower and hit the grass, be careful.

A recent study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found nearly 80,000 Americans require hospital treatment each year from injuries caused by lawn mowers. Most occur in children under age 15 and adults 60 and older, and the majority of injuries result from debris (i.e., rocks and branches) propelled by mower blades.

Robert Wiprud, M.D., associate professor of family and community medicine at the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, recommends several safety tips: wear goggles, pants and close-toed shoes with gripped soles; clear the yard of debris beforehand; keep everyone from the yard while mowing; never service a running mower; mow only in good weather, not high heat; and do not use a riding mower on steep hills or embankments.

“Most injuries are caused by flying debris and reaching under the mowing platform to clear grass with the mower running,” Dr. Wiprud said. “A quick walk over the area to be mowed – looking for foreign material such as rocks and metal that could be thrown – and wearing safety eyewear is smart. Of course, never reach under the mowing platform with it running, even just a little. This will keep fingers and toes attached.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends no child under age 16 use a riding mower, and no child under age 12 use a push mower.

“Direct adult supervision is a real good idea for teenagers, as they have a hard time understanding risk,” said Dr. Wiprud, division director of family medicine with the Scott & White Clinic in College Station.