The grass is growing higher and higher here in Florida, so it’s time to get out the trusty mower. Before you crank the motor and go, make sure you’re prepared for a day’s worth of mowing. The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that 17,000 children go to the emergency room each year from mower accidents.
People’s Trust would like to offer you some tips to keep you and your family safe in this common chore that requires uncommon vigilance.
Get Decked Out
When mowing your lawn, safety also comes with the gear you’re sporting. Beat the heat and the risk by making sure to wear:
- Sunscreen
- Goggles or rugged sunglasses
- Gloves with grip
- Shoes with good traction
- Tight-fitting clothes that don’t have any large tears, especially at the hem of your pants
General Safety Tips
- Keep children away. Kids should be at least 13 before operating a push lawnmower and at least 16 to operate a riding lawn mower.
- Walk your lawn before mowing and pick up any large sticks, toys such as Frisbees, and rocks.
- Always turn off the mower completely before any maintenance such as unclogging a discharge chute and adjusting the blade height or attachments.
- Remove rubbish from the blade by using a long piece of wood, such as a broom or stick, never with your hands.
- Mow with the sun. It’s okay to wait until the late afternoon to mow your lawn, but always make sure you have enough daylight to see potential hazards as you mow.
- Stay hydrated.
- Add gas to your mower before starting it. Never fill your tank completely because the gas will expand as the engine warms up.
Push Mower Safety
- Never pull the mower toward you when it is on. Turn the mower off before moving in reverse because not all mowers include a blade guard on the side closest to your feet.
- Mow across a slope instead of up and down the slope, because slipping when pushing up hill can be hazardous.
- Mow when the grass is dry. This not only protects your yard but also keeps you from slipping and potentially injuring yourself.
Riding Mowers
- Set your wheel and blade height before turning it on.
- Drive up and down any hills or large slopes in your yard. This will keep you from tipping the mower over.
- If you’re bagging leaves, turn the mower off before you get down to adjust the bag.
Mow smart. As with any dangerous machinery, we ask you to exercise caution and keep safety in mind, especially if you have children. Don’t let a common chore turn into a trip to the emergency room.
This Blog is sponsored by:
People’s Trust Insurance Company