Reading Skills for Today's Adults

Lawn Mowing Safety

Having a nice lawn takes time and work. It also takes a lawn mower. Lawn mowers can be either riding mowers or push mowers. Riding mowers have a place for you to sit, so you actually ride the mower. Push mowers need to be pushed by someone. Both mowers can be dangerous. The blade that cuts the grass can also cut other things. Children and adults can get serious cuts and even lose their eyesight or a limb if they are not careful around lawn mowers. Simple things like wet grass, debris in the yard, or slippery shoes become dangerous when mowing the lawn. 

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Here are some tips to keep you and your children safe when mowing the lawn:

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• Read the instruction book for your mower before you start.

• Keep children and pets away from the lawn while mowing. 

• Before you start, pick up and remove large sticks or other debris.

• Wear clothes that will protect you, like long pants and sturdy shoes. Do not wear sandals when mowing. Wear glasses to protect your eyes. 

• Make sure your mower has a "deadman" control. A “deadman” control stops the mower if you let go of the handle. 

• Do not cut the lawn when the grass is wet or when it is raining or lightning.

• Children should be at least 12 years old before they operate a lawn mower. 

• Talk about lawn mower safety with all of your children. 

• Never allow young children to ride alone on a riding mower. 

• Teach teenagers who are operating the lawn mower to never put their hands or feet near the power blades. Make sure that adults follow this rule as well.

• Make sure your mower is in good working condition at all times. 

• Never operate a mower if you have been drinking or taking other drugs.

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