Dangerous Chores: Know BEFORE you Mow

June is National Safety Month and the routine task of lawn mowing can be extremely dangerous to children, the operator, and those nearby if proper safety precautions aren’t taken. More than 250,000 people are treated for lawn mower-related injuries and many of them children under the age 19, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports.

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons offers some safety tips for lawn mowers, whether the riding, power or push style:

• Keep your lawn mower in good working order and have it serviced before you use it for the first time each season. Make sure the motor is off before you inspect or repair a lawn mower, and use a stick or broom handle, not your hands or feet, to remove debris.
• Always read the instruction manual, and never remove safety devices, shields or guards on switches. Add fuel before starting the engine, not when it is running or hot. Never leave a running lawn mower unattended. Avoid touching the engine cowling (covering), which can became extremely hot and burn unprotected flesh.
• Wear sturdy shoes with good traction, long pants, protective gloves and goggles when mowing. Never drink alcohol before using a mower. Check for and remove stones, toys and other objects from the lawn before mowing. Mow across slopes when using a push mower, and mow up and down slopes when using a riding mower.
• Wear eye protection.
• Always turn off the mower and wait for blades to stop completely before removing the grass catcher, unclogging the discharge chute, inspecting or repairing lawn mower equipment or crossing gravel paths, roads or other areas
• Clear the yard of all children before mowing and teach children to stay away from running lawn mowers and never let them play in or near an area being mowed. Never let children or pets ride as passengers on a mower. Children should be at least age 12 before using a push mower and 16 before using a riding mower.

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