6 Lawn Mower Safety Essentials and Why They’re So Important

Lawn mowers are dangerous tools that are responsible for tens of thousands of injuries every year. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, their tremendous power has caused burns, broken bones and deep cuts as well as the loss of fingers and toes. Due to the risks involved, people should be aware of the hazards and take precautions when using these tools. Here are some tips to help keep you safe.

• To prevent cuts, some of which can be serious and lead to lacerations or even amputations, don’t use your hands or feel to remove debris from the mower. Use a stick instead. Also, obviously wait until the motor has completely stopped before attempting to dislodge debris.
• Pour in the fuel before starting the engine, because adding gas to a hot or running mower may result in burns, explosions or the spraying of fuel into the air.
• An unattended mower can lead to disaster. If you need to leave it for even a brief period, turn off the ignition, especially if children live in the neighborhood.
• Safeguard all your body parts. Wear goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands, and wear sturdy shoes to protect your feet. Never wear flip flops or sandals.
• Don’t have a beer or drink any other alcoholic beverage before mowing. The liquor will slow your reflexes and impair your judgment. Likewise, avoid using prescription medications or smoking medicinal marijuana prior to using. You need to have a clear head when mowing, as a moment’s inattention can have bad consequences.
• Don’t allow children to play near the area of a running lawn mower. The devices can sometimes project rocks and debris several yards away at a great speed.

For more information, see June is National Safety Month: Lawn Mower Safety Tips.

If a defective product (like a bad lawnmower) caused you injury or illness, our Washington D.C. personal injury attorneys can help you seek fair compensation. Call us today to schedule a consultation with a member of our team.