Steer Children Clear of Potential Lawn Mower Injuries this Summer

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that lawn mower injuries are on the rise, up 3% in 2010 compared to 2009.

The most common injuries are caused by strikes from debris, such as rocks and branches propelled by the mower’s spinning blades, but physicians at Cincinnati Children’s have already seen more severe cases like that of three-year old Brandon Mefford who arrived April 4 after being run over by a riding mower.

After two limb amputations and seven surgeries, he is on his way to recovery but his life will be forever changed.

READ his story.

Lawn Mower Safety Tips

• Children should be at least 12 years old before they operate any lawn mower and at least 16 before they are allowed to operate a riding mower.
• Wear sturdy shoes, not sandals while mowing as well as protective eyewear and earplugs.
• Pick up stones, toys, and other debris from the lawn prior to mowing to prevent them from being hit by the blade and causing injury.
• Mowers should have a control that stops the machine from moving forward if the handle is released.
• Never pull backward or mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary, and carefully look for others when going backward is necessary.
• Keep young children indoors or at a safe distance from the area being mowed.
• Never let children be passengers on riding mowers.