Lawn mower safety how to protect your child from injuries

The low hum of a lawn mower in the distance is a sound often associated with summer.

Each year, nearly 9,000 children are brought to the emergency department for lawn mower-related injuries.

Studies show that over the decades, the number of lawn-mower related incidences has not decreased. But these injuries are preventable. Learn how to keep your children safe around lawn mowers.

Common lawn mower injuries

Lawn mowers cause a wide variety of injuries including:

• Amputations to fingers, hands, toes or feet.
• Burns.
• Cuts.

Lawn mowers are among the most common causes of amputations in children.

Keep children safe around lawn mowers

A lawn mower is far more likely to injure a bystander or passenger than the operator. Children especially, are more likely to be hit by a riding lawn mower or fall off a riding lawn mower. That’s why you should always be aware of your surroundings before mowing the lawn.

• Never allow a child to play outside while a lawn mower is in use.
• Never ride with a child on a lawn mower, even if the blades are off.
• Never mow in reverse.
• Never fill the gas tank while the mower is running.
• Turn off the mower and let the blades completely stop before removing anything.
• Pick up objects in the lawn before mowing such as rocks and sticks.

When is it safe for children to mow the lawn?

Having your child mow the lawn can be a great way to get outside or teach responsibility. However, to ensure their safety, your child should be at least 12 years old to operate a push mower and at least 16 years old to operate a riding mower.

Additional tips:

• Properly train your child on lawn mower safety.
• Supervise your child to ensure they know how to handle the lawn mower.
• Have your child wear protection on their face, feet and ears.

Most importantly, if your child has been in a mower-related accident, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency department.

For more lawn mower safety resources, visit Tate’s Army.

Brian Sims, DO

Pediatrics

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