How To Use a Lawnmower Safely

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Lawnmowers are the culprit of more than 75,000 injuries each year. Many of these injuries are to the hand and fingers. Here’s how to use a lawnmower safely this summer:

1. Never use your hands to remove grass or debris from the lawnmower.
2. Never lift a mower from the bottom or the blades will cut your fingers, even when not running.
3. Never cut grass when the ground is damp.
4. Read your mower’s instruction manual prior to use.
5. Do not remove any safety devices or guards on switches.
6. Only allow one person at a time on a riding mower.
7. Keep up with the maintenance of your mower, and keep blades sharp.
8. Do not drink alcohol before operating a lawnmower.
9. Wear protective goggles and gloves, and always wear shoes while mowing the lawn.
10. Do not allow children on or near a lawnmower, especially when it is running.

Unfortunately, lawnmower injuries are most common for children, so take special precautions to keep children away from the machine, both when it is off and when it is running. For more hand safety tips, visit www.HandCare.org.