Keep Children Safe by Preventing Devastating Lawnmower Injuries

As summer approaches, many families will spend time beautifying their lawns. While lawnmowers are a much-needed tool, they can pose a serious threat to children. Each year hospitals see the results of injuries caused by power mowers. Many of these incidents result in loss of fingers, toes, limbs, and eyes. Some lawnmower accidents can result in brain damage or even death. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, one of every five deaths caused by a lawnmower involves a child.

Injuries and death can be reduced by following theses safety tips:

• Do not allow passengers on a riding mower.
• Keep children out of the yard while mowing the lawn.
• Do not allow children under the age of 14 to operate a lawnmower.
• Check your lawn for items such as sticks, rocks, toys, etc. Be sure nothing is hidden in the grass.
• Handle fuel carefully. Wipe up spills. Never fill the tank when it is hot. Never smoke or use any kind of flame around gasoline.
• Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, eye protection, heavy gloves, and sturdy closed-toed shoes with slip-resistant rubber soles.
• Don't remove or disable guards or other safety devices.
• Never reach under a mower while it is still operating.
• Don't cut grass while is wet.
• When using a riding mower in areas where the lawn slopes, mow up and down rather than across the slope.

This information is provided for you by SAFE KIDS of Forsyth County. For more information contact Donna Joyner, SAFE KIDS Coordinator, 716-0649.