Lawn Mower Safety Tips

The truth is, mowing your lawn can be boring. After a while, it’s easy to become complacent and not necessarily completing the job with the same amount of gusto as you did when the mowing season first started. But let’s not forget that a lawn mower can be a dangerous tool if not handled properly.

In fact, the amount of energy a lawn mower blade emits is equivalent to being shot with a .357 magnum pistol. Additionally, the blade can easily shoot lawn debris or anything that gets in its way that is of size across a yard at speeds as fast as 100 miles per hour. Thousands of injuries ranging from cuts that require stitches to burns to even loss of toes or fingers are reported every year because of improper use or carelessness when using a lawn mower.

In most cases, mowing incidents can be prevented. Here are some lawn mower safety tips to keep you safe all mowing season long:

Before you start:

• Read the instruction manual to be sure you have a full understanding of how your lawn more works and the features it offers.
• Check that the weather will be clear during the time it will take you to complete.
• Only mow when you have enough daylight.
• Survey the yard to pick up sticks, rocks, toys and any other lawn debris that could be hazardous if mowed over.
• Inspect your mower to be sure that the mower’s undercarriage is clear of any buildup of grass clippings and that any protective guard, shields and the grass catcher are secure and that it is fueled up.
• If you have an electric mower, do not mow wet grass.

While you mow:

• Make sure you are wearing proper clothing to protect yourself; sturdy closed-toed shoes, long pants, and sunglasses or safety glasses.
• If you have kids, make sure you keep an eye out for them. If possible, keep them inside until your job is done or limit them to certain parts of the yard.
• Even though you surveyed your yard for debris before you got started, continue to be on the lookout for any objects that could be thrown by the mower.
• If your yard is sloped be extra careful. If you’re using a walk-behind mower, mow diagonally; if using a riding mower, mow up and down.
• When crossing roads, sidewalks or gravel be sure to turn off the mower blade.
• Always turn the mower completely off when refueling, checking for damage, unclogging grass buildup or if you need to walk away from the mower.

To most, this is common sense material; however, it’s in those moments of trying to get the job done quickly or when we’re just not thinking at all because it feels like second nature, that is when mistakes are made and someone gets hurt. Implement these lawn mower safety tips every time you’re out to be as safe as possible.