Mowing the lawn, an essential summertime chore, can turn
dangerous in a matter of seconds.
“Younger
children’s injuries occur when they run up on a push mower or
when a riding mower backs up on them,” says Lori Vinson, Trauma program
manager at Children’s 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 laps; if the child falls off, serious injuries can
result.”
Amputations of the toe, foot or lower leg
are common lawn mower injuries. After such a traumatic event, a
multidisciplinary team at Children’s addresses all the needs for
the child and family, taking the physical, mental and emotional
healing into consideration.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and
other safety groups recommend the following:
- 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 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.
- Wear closed-toed shoes when the lawn mower is on.
- Mowers are not for transportation. Children should never be allowed to
ride on or drive riding mowers.
- Be sure the mower is
turned off before checking 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. 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.
Learn more about injury prevention in the Children’s
Health Library.
