Home Safety Hazard - Your Mower!

Your mower is a dangerous piece of equipment. Approximately 68,000 people are treated in emergency facilities for injuries caused by power lawn mowers each year. Of these, more than 9,000 are children younger under the age of 18. Few people see lawn mowing as the dangerous task that it is, but homeowers should exercise caution when mowing. Children should also be trained on the potential hazards associated with mowing activities.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following guidelines to promote lawn mower safety:
Read the lawn mower operator’s manual and the instructions for using the mower.
Try to use a mower with a control that stops the mower if the handle is released - this is a safety measure and should never be disconnected.
Start with a pair of sturdy shoes or work boots. Avoid wearing sandals, flip-flops, or sneakers. Children under 12 years old should not be allowed to mow, period.
Nobody under the age of 16 should be permitted to use a riding mower (and younger kids need to be supervised or stay inside during mowing activities.)
Never allow children to ride as passengers on riding lawn mowers.
Never allow children to play with or on a riding lawn mower as if it were a toy.
Pick up objects from the lawn prior to mowing. This will eliminate the hazard of projectiles and reduce the potential for injury.
Never remove the grass catcher or unclog the discharge chute unless the mower is OFF and the mower blades have stopped moving.
You must use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), if you are mowing with an electric lawn mower. This will eliminate the electrocution or shock hazard.
Avoid mowing a wet lawn it can cause grass to clog the discharge chute.
Never mow during inclement weather, and make sure you have enough daylight to see what you’re doing.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics