subject: Lawn Mowers, Safety, and Children A Good Combination? [print this page] Lawn Mowers, Safety, and Children A Good Combination?
Spring and Summer chores include tending to and mowing the lawn. If you don't have a landscaping service sometimes a child is given this chore or volunteers for it, or wants to start a small neighborhood lawn mowing service. Before allowing a child to operate any machinery including a lawn mower consider if your child is old enough or better yet, responsible enough to operate a lawn mower safely. Every year there are countless lawn mower related injuries treated in emergency rooms that may be preventable. Prior to allowing a child to mow the lawn, parents and other responsible adults must be aware of the hazards involved and be absolutely certain that children as well as adult operators understand safe lawn mower operating procedures.
To prevent lawn mower injuries to children, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following:
Try to use a mower with a control that stops the mower from moving forward if the handle is let go.
Children younger than 16 years should not be allowed to use ride-on mowers. Children younger than 12 years should not use walk-behind mowers.
Make sure that sturdy shoes (not sandals or sneakers) are worn while mowing.
Prevent injuries from flying objects, such as stones or toys, by picking up objects from the lawn before mowing begins.
Use a collection bag for grass clippings or a plate that covers the opening where cut grass is released.
Have anyone who uses a mower wear hearing and eye protection.
Make sure that children are indoors or at a safe distance well away from the area that you plan to mow.
Start and refuel mowers outdoors, not in a garage or shed. Mowers should be refueled with the motor turned off and cool.
Make sure that blade settings (to set the wheel height or dislodge debris) are done by an adult, with the mower off and the spark plug removed or disconnected.
Do not pull the mower backward or mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary, and carefully look for children behind you when you mow in reverse.
Always turn off the mower and wait for the blades to stop completely before removing the grass catcher, unclogging the discharge chute, or crossing gravel paths, roads, or other areas.
Do not allow children to ride as passengers on ride-on mowers.
Enjoy the upcoming season Safely!
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