Serious Lawnmower Injuries are Common

Only properly trained children, 12-years or older, should be allowed to mow the lawn alone.

Follow these guidelines for your safety and the safety of your children:

• Be sure people – especially children – and pets are out of the yard while mowing.
• Never carry your child while operating a riding mower or lawn tractor.
• Make certain children who mow the lawn understand safety guidelines.
• Read your owner's manual before mowing and never override the mower's safety functions.
• Wear heavy-duty shoes and long pants.
• Do not mow at dusk or at night.
• Make sure the grass is dry.
• Clear the yard of sticks, stones and other debris that may be shot out while mowing.
• Never leave the mower unattended while the engine is running.
• When leaving a mower unattended, disconnect the spark plug wire.
• Never adjust the mower height or clean or remove the grass chute with the engine running.
• Stay clear of a hot engine. Mufflers can reach up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Always disconnect the spark plug wire and let the engine cool 10 minutes before refueling. Gas spilled on a hot engine could cause a flash fire.
• Always mow across an incline with a walk-behind mower.
• Always mow up and down an incline with a riding mower.
• Never smoke when filling the gas tank or fixing or using a lawn mower.
• Never drink alcohol before or during mowing.

Reprinted with the permission of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.