Hershey, Pa--Yard work can be a very enjoyable activity, but when using power equipment, it can also be a hazardous one. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 230,000 people are injured each year by lawn and garden equipment. The most dangerous tool is the lawnmower. Each year about 75 people are killed; one out of five is a child. Lawn mower injuries range from minor cuts and bruises to limb amputations and fractures.
The Coalition for Lifetime Injury Prevention (CLIP) at The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center offers the following tips to prevent injuries from lawn and garden equipment:
Make sure that children, especially those under 5, and pets are out of the yard and in the house when mowing, edging or trimming. They can easily be hit by debris or run over by the lawn mower.
A riding mower is not for passengers. Injuries occur to children and the driver when passengers fall off the mower and are run over or caught in the blades.
Do not allow children younger than 14 years to use ride-on mowers, or children younger than 12 years to use push-mowers.
Never allow young children to play with or around power equipment. They should learn that these tools are not toys.
Remove stones, sticks, dog bones and other objects from the lawn before beginning to mow. Objects thrown by lawn mower blades can reach speeds of 200 miles per hour.
When mowing on slopes, push mowers should be operated across the slope so that your foot does not slip under the mower.
Pulling a push mower is also dangerous, because it is easy to slip. Riding mowers are more stable when operated up and down a slope.
Wear substantial shoes while mowing. Never mow the lawn in sandals or bare feet.
Mow only when the grass is dry: wet grass is very slippery.
Be sure that you know how to operate the equipment and that it is in good operating condition. Do not remove guards or other safety devices.
Handle gasoline carefully. Fill the gas tank only when the engine is cool and not in operation. Store gasoline in an approved container.
Do not make repairs to equipment while it is running.
Never work with electric power tools in wet or damp areas. For protection from electrocution, use ground fault interrupters on extension cords.
Remember to drink liquids and take breaks when working outside in hot weather.
Please contact the CLIP staff at Hershey Medical Center with questions by calling 717-531-SAFE.
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Contact:
Charlotte Murray (o)(717) 531-7272 email:
M. Steven Bortner (o)(717) 531-8607 email:
