Cut risk of lawn mower injuries

Mowing the lawn is an essential summertime chore, but it has the potential to turn dangerous in a matter of seconds.

Last year Children's Medical Center treated dozens of children for lawn-mower related injuries, many of whom required operations and extended stays at the hospital.

"Younger children's injuries occur when they run up on a push mower or when a riding mower backs up on them," said Dr. Philip Wilson, a pediatric orthopedic specialist at Children's and assistant professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center. "The teens are usually operating the push mowers and either run over a foot or a finger gets stuck in the blades. We have also seen injuries from parents or grandparents operating a riding mower with a young child in their lap; if the child falls off, serious injuries can result."

Amputations of the toe, foot or lower leg are common lawn mower injuries.

Safety Tips

The American Academy of Pediatrics and other safety groups recommend the following precautionary measures be taken in relation to mowing the lawn.

Children should be at least 12 years old before they operate any lawn mower, and at least 16 years old for a ride-on mower.
Clear the work area of any objects such as twigs, stones and toys that could be thrown by lawn mower blades.
Blade settings should be set by an adult only.
Start and refuel mowers outdoors — not in a garage. Refuel with the mower turned off and cool.
Make sure that all adults and children are never barefoot when the lawn mower is operational.
Mowers are not transportation vehicles. Children should never be allowed to ride on or drive riding mowers.
Be sure the mower is turned off before inspecting or repairing lawn mower equipment. Never try to dislodge dirt or grass from the lawn mower blades while the machine is running.
If a child enters a work area, turn off the lawn mower at once. Children younger than 8 years old should not be allowed out of the house when the lawn is being mowed.
Look for children before and while you back up and when you go around corners, shrubs, trees or other obstacles.