Injuries include deep cuts, loss of fingers and toes, broken and dislocated bones, burns, eye and other injuries. Always beware that the user and those in the vicinity of a lawnmower are in danger and can be seriously injured.

Hazards

The mower is a cutting machine designed to trim grass but has the potential to cut anything that is placed in its path. The cutting edge of the mower blade travels at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. Even a dull blade at that speed can slice fingers and toes.

Other materials, such as toys, stones, sticks, and equipment parts, can become projectiles when struck by the blade. These items too can travel up to 200 miles per hour as they leave the discharge chute. Items discharged from mowers can cause serious injury to other people in the area and/or to the operator when there is no guard in place. Property damage can also occur from thrown items from lawnmowers.

Lawnmowers can also cause burns. The moving parts and the engine can remain hot for some time after the engine has been turned off.

The fuel is another hazard. Most mowers have petrol powered engines. Petrol is a highly explosive and flammable substance and thus should be treated with respect.

Overturning can occur primarily when ride-on mowers are used on steep slopes or embankments. Victims may be pinned under the mower or come into contact with the blade.

Safe Practices

• Read the operators manual – Read the instructions and then follow these instructions carefully. The manual explains safe procedures that should be followed.

• Prepare the lawn before mowing - Pick up objects such as sticks, stones, toys, bones and other objects before getting started

• Check guards and shields - Be sure all protective devices are in place before starting the mower. Shields and guards will prevent numerous injuries if used.

• Handle fuel with care - Do not fill the petrol tank while the engine is running. Let it cool first. Fuel up outdoors, then wipe up all spills.

• Dress properly to do the job safely - Wear close-fitting clothes and closed toe sturdy shoes. No bare feet! No sandals!

• Keep children and pets out of the area – Remember a mower blade can pick up and throw objects with force enough to seriously injure or kill.

• No passengers on riding mowers – Always say “no” to small children asking to ride the mower with you. Passengers can be thrown from the mower and run over. Passengers also distract the operator.

• No horseplay around the lawn mower – Playing with a mower is asking for serious trouble. Use a mower only for the purposes it was designed – to mow lawns.

• Do not use ride-on mowers on steep slopes – If a ride-on mower overturns it can cause serious injury. Drive up and down slopes carefully when operating a ride-on mower. Mow across the slope using a walk behind mower.

• Take care of your mower – Clean and safety check your mower regularly during the grass cutting season.

• Always turn off the engine before unclogging discharge chute - Always turn off the engine and wait a few seconds for the blades to stop rotating before unclogging the discharge chute.

• Never leave a running mower unattended – when you leave the operators position the mower should be turned off. Newer models have operator presence switch which automatically kills the engine when the operators release the handle.

Even though a lot of lawnmowers come with safety features, the machine is still dangerous and should be treated as such. Improper use could result in personal injury and even death. Most accidents occur when people do not know how to operate the mower correctly. Don’t use common sense and get careless.