Yes, unfortunately, lawn mower injuries are fairly common. Lawn mower-related injuries account for more than 80,000 emergency room visits each year. Of those, 10,000 require hospitalization and more than 500 end in death.
This makes accidental contact with a running lawn mower one of the most dangerous things that can happen in a person’s backyard. Lawn mowers cause amputations, broken bones, lacerations, and blunt force trauma to the body.
Children are particularly at risk as they are more likely to make contact with the spinning blades of mowers, sometimes even with both hands or feet. Acute brain injuries, such as concussions, are also commonplace.
This is especially true for children operating a lawn mower. In addition to physical injuries, lawn mower accidents can also cause severe hearing damage due to the loud engine noise. To reduce the risk of lawn mower-related injuries, people should use caution when using lawn mowers, with children staying away from them altogether.
Proper maintenance of lawn mowers is also important, as dull blades or clogged up engines can lead to accidents. Finally, protective clothing and safety gear is essential. So, by following these precautions, lawn mower accidents can be prevented and the risk of injury minimized.
How many injuries are caused by lawn mowers?
The number of injuries caused by lawn mowers is difficult to determine due to the lack of comprehensive data on the topic. However, a study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine in 2013 found that approximately 22,000 people in the United States suffer from lawn mower-related injuries each year, with 16,200 of those injuries involving power lawn mowers.
According to a study published in the American Family Physician in 2004, approximately 70% of those injuries involve children under age 18, with more than 50% of those injuries involving facial lacerations.
Other common injuries associated with lawn mowers include broken bones, cuts, amputations, and burns. In addition, lawn mower-related injuries can lead to other serious conditions such as hearing loss, vision impairment, and brain injury.
It is important to take steps to avoid lawn mower-related accidents by wearing appropriate clothing, being careful of obstacles in your path, keeping children and pets away from the mower, and reading and following the manufacturer’s recommendations for use.
How common are lawn mower accidents?
Lawn mower accidents are surprisingly common. According to the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an estimated 15,000 Americans were sent to the ER in 2020 due to lawn mower-related accidents.
The American Academy of Pediatrics also reported that lawn mower-related accidents were the leading cause of traumatic hand and finger injuries in kids and young adults under 19. In addition, mower-related accidents also cause a significant number of fatalities each year.
The CPSC estimates that about 75 people die each year due to lawn mower-related accidents. Because of these alarming figures, it’s important to take steps to prevent potential injuries. One of the best ways is to educate everyone on the dangers associated with lawn mowers and make sure everyone takes proper safety measures when operating them.
Before mowing, make sure to inspect your mower and read any accompanying safety materials. Wear protective equipment, such as long pants, safety glasses, and ear plugs, and make sure to keep kids, pets, and bystanders away from the mower at all times.
Finally, don’t operate a mower while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Taking these steps can go a long way toward preventing lawn mower-related accidents and injuries.
Can a lawnmower cut bone?
No, a lawnmower is not able to cut bone. Lawnmowers are designed to cut through grass or other softer materials and would not be effective in cutting through bone. In contrast, a saw or an axe could be used to cut through bone since they are designed to cut through harder materials like wood.
There are also specially designed tools made for cutting bone, such as bone cutting saws and bone shears. These tools are specifically designed for cutting through bone and are much more effective than a lawnmower.
Should a 12 year old mow the lawn?
The answer to this question depends on the individual 12 year old in question. It’s important to consider factors such as the physical ability of the child and the size of the lawn when making a decision.
If the child is physically mature enough to handle the task and the lawn doesn’t require a large piece of equipment, such as a riding mower, then 12 year olds could safely mow the lawn.
Regardless of the child’s age, it’s always a good idea to supervise them while they are mowing the lawn. Additionally, it’s important to make sure they are prepared with the necessary safety equipment like goggles and gloves, plus any other protective equipment that may be needed.
A brief lesson on how to start and operate the mower and an understanding of basic safety guidelines is also important.
In the end, if you think the 12 year old in question is capable of taking on this responsibility and doing it safely, then it could be suitable for them to mow the lawn.
What age is OK to mow lawn?
The legal age to mow a lawn varies depending on what type of equipment you’re using. Generally, most local laws require that children under the age of 18 cannot operate any type of motorized equipment, including riding mowers and trimmers.
Even if your state or county does not have a formal ordinance, it is generally advised that you wait until your child is at least 13 or 14 to begin operating any type of power lawn equipment. Before that age, supervision is necessary to make sure the job is done safely and correctly.
Additionally, it’s important to make sure your child is emotionally and physically ready to handle the responsibility of mowing the lawn. Some younger children may not have sufficient physical strength or endurance to do the job without becoming overly fatigued or injured.
If your child is ready and up to the task, make sure proper safety measures are taken. Put a helmet, goggles, and protective footwear on your child and be sure they understand the basics of mowing safely, such as what happens when you run into a large object and how to properly push the mower backwards.
Ultimately, it’s up to you, as the parent, to decide whether your child is ready to mow the lawn, taking into consideration all the factors involved.
What are 3 lawnmower safety tips?
1. Wear appropriate safety gear – Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris, hearing protection to protect your ears from loud motor noise, and sturdy shoes to protect from debris and the blades.
Also, make sure your clothing is not excessively loose so it does not get caught in a blade or rotating part of the mower.
2. Be aware of your surroundings – Be aware of obstacles, uneven terrain, and children or pets in the area that may be in danger. If possible, remove any obstacles prior to mowing. Make sure all children and pets are inside before starting or operating the mower.
3. Keep the mower in good condition – Always use clean, fresh gasoline and be sure to keep the oil and filter changed as recommended by the manufacturer. Check and replace the drive belt, blades, spark plugs and air filters as specified in the owner’s manual.
Ensure the safety features, such as the blade brake, are in good working order.
What age can a child ride a lawn mower?
It is not recommended for any child under the age of 16 to ride a lawn mower. Most lawn mowers are considered powerful machines, and when operated incorrectly or without adult supervision, can be very dangerous.
Operating a lawn mower requires the operator to be aware of their surroundings while understanding the correct safety protocols. Teenagers, ages 14 and older, should still be accompanied by an adult and must demonstrate their understanding of all safety protocols.
All riders of any age are also advised to wear proper safety equipment such as goggles, heavy-duty boots, and long pants to ensure that they are prepared for every situation.
Are ride-on mowers safe?
Ride-on mowers are typically safe to use when all safety precautions are followed. These safety precautions include wearing all your personal protective equipment, such as goggles, long pants, and sturdy shoes.
Other safety recommendations include familiarizing yourself with your mower and its parts and understanding how it operates before using it. Reading and following the owner’s manual are also important when using a ride-on mower.
It is also important to inspect the mower before using it and make all the needed repairs or maintenance. Additionally, when you are mowing, be sure to watch out for other vehicles, people, and animals, and observe all traffic laws.
Make sure you have plenty of room to turn and stop, and never mow on wet, slippery surfaces. Following all safety guidelines and taking the precautions listed above will help to make your ride-on mower a safe and enjoyable machine.
Can lawn mower blade fly off?
Yes, a lawn mower blade can fly off while mowing. This is usually caused by reduced engine power, an obstruction that causes excessive strain on the blade, an improperly-balanced blade, or a blade that is dull or corroded.
If the blade is spinning quickly, any of these factors can cause the blade to fly off and become a projectile hazard. To reduce the risk of a flying blade, be sure to keep the mower blades in good condition, replace them when necessary, and always wear protective gear while mowing.
Additionally, it is important to keep children and pets away from the area when mowing to prevent any potential injuries that could otherwise result from a flying blade.
How old should you be before operating a riding lawn mower?
As a general guideline, it is recommended that you be at least 16 years old before operating a riding lawn mower. However, this may vary from state to state and depending on the type of machine. It is important to be aware of the age restrictions for operating a riding lawn mower and to understand all safety instructions and procedures for doing so, as riding lawn mowers can be dangerous and require a certain level of maturity.
It is also advised that you speak to an adult supervisor if you are not of the legal age to ensure that you are prepared, knowledgeable and safe while operating the machine.
What do you do if your lawnmower catches on fire?
If your lawnmower catches on fire, it is important to take immediate action to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. First, turn off the lawnmower if it is still running. Using an appropriate fire extinguisher or a bucket of dirt, sand, or water, carefully douse the flames, being sure to keep yourself and those nearby out of harm’s way.
If you are unable to extinguish the fire, immediately call 911 and evacuate yourself and anyone else to a safe location. It is also a good idea to check your lawnmower’s manual and contact the manufacturer in order to have it professionally serviced.
Is it safe to have a child on a riding lawn mower?
No, it is not safe to have a child on a riding lawn mower. Riding lawn mowers are powerful machines that require adult users to be alert and cautious while operating them. Due to the risk of being in a high-speed collision or being thrown off the machine, small children should never be allowed to use them, even if they are supervised.
Additionally, the tools and blades required to safely operate a riding lawn mower can be very dangerous, and should be kept out of reach of small children. If there are children present while a riding lawn mower is in use, they should be watched closely and kept away from the machine, since it can cause very serious harm.
Is lawn mower too loud for toddler?
No, lawn mowers are not usually too loud for a toddler. Lawn mowers use engines that produce noise ranging from 50 dB to 95 dB, which is considered moderate to loud. So while the lawn mower may be uncomfortable to listen to, it likely won’t cause any hearing damage to a toddler.
However, it is important to ensure that the individual using the lawn mower is wearing the appropriate hearing protection and is aware of the noise level. Additionally, if there is a potential for any loud noises, it is a good idea to ask the toddler to move away from the lawn mower, stay in a separate room, or allow them to wear earplugs.
What should you not do when mowing?
It is important to exercise caution when mowing your lawn to ensure the safety of both yourself and other nearby people, pets, and objects. Here are a few things you should never do when mowing:
1. Never mow while distracted. It’s important to focus on the task at hand, so avoid multitasking while mowing. Listen carefully for any unusual noises coming from the lawn mower, and always stay vigilant to your surroundings.
2. Never wear open-toed shoes. When mowing, it is important to wear closed-toed shoes to protect your feet from sticks or stones that may be kicked up by the blades.
3. Never reach underneath the lawn mower. If a rock or something else becomes lodged underneath the mower, never reach underneath to remove it, as the blades may still be spinning and can cause serious injury.
Instead, turn off the mower and use a stick to safely remove the obstruction.
4. Never mow when it is wet out. Wait for the grass to dry before mowing, as mowing wet grass can damage the blades and cause the grass to be unevenly cut.
5. Never mow without observing the surroundings. Before mowing, make sure to check the area for any people, pets, or other objects that could be in danger. Make sure the lawn mower blades don’t come in contact with any hard surfaces such as stones or rocks, as this could cause damage to the blades.
Overall, it is important to always stay aware of your surroundings and be cautious when mowing to ensure the safety of yourself and others.
How do you mow over gravel?
Mowing over gravel can be tricky and requires extra caution, preparation and the correct equipment. Firstly, you will need to make sure your mower is appropriate and up to the task. Most rotary lawn mowers won’t be able to mow over gravel, and a flail mower (or a tractor-based grass mower) is best suited to do so.
Secondly, you need to check the depth of the gravel in your lawn or garden. If the gravel is deep, it can be difficult for the blades of the mower to reach the ground underneath and this can cause damage to them.
If the gravel is too deep, it’s best to remove it before you start mowing.
Thirdly, you will want to check the condition of your mower blades. They should be sharp enough to cut through the gravel, otherwise it may cause the blades to clog up or become dull quickly. It’s also important to adjust the height of the mower to make sure the blades are cutting at the correct depth.
Finally, wear the correct safety gear when mowing over gravel. This includes thick, waterproof gloves, safety goggles, and steel-toed boots. Additionally, the mower you are using should be properly serviced before use and the blades should be regularly checked for sharpness and tension.
With these precautions in place, it’s safe and possible to mow over gravel.
How do you use a lawn mower safely?
Using a lawn mower safely involves taking a few key precautions. Before using the mower, you should inspect it to ensure that it is in proper working condition and safely stored. Make sure that all of the guards, blades, and other protective devices are firmly in place, and that the blades are sharp and free of debris.
Inspect the operational cables and power cords and check for any cracks or damage.
When preparing to use a lawn mower, you should always wear protective gear, such as closed-toe shoes, long pants, gloves, and safety glasses to reduce the risk of personal injury. Gasoline-powered lawn mowers should never be operated indoors or in enclosed areas, as the exhaust fumes can be potentially hazardous.
Before operating the lawn mower, take some time to review the manufacturer operating instructions and safety labels. Lawn mowers can be dangerous when not used properly, so it’s important to be familiar with the proper techniques before starting to mow.
When mowing, start the lawn mower away from the area where you’re going to start, and slowly pull the starter cord. You should never attempt to start the engine while standing on the mower. Once the engine has been started, always listen to the sound of the engine to detect any abnormalities such as unusual sounds or vibrations.
Take your time and move slowly when mowing to prevent the blades from picking up materials or debris such as rocks, branches, and toys that could be thrown out and cause significant injuries. Likewise, always keep bystanders a safe distance away from the mower.
Finally, it is important to switch off the lawn mower and wait for the blade to come to a complete stop before attempting to remove any objects, making adjustments, or cleaning the mower.
What happens if a lawn mower hits a rock?
If a lawn mower hits a rock, it can cause significant damage. Depending on the size and speed of the mower when it hits, the rock could damage the blades and even cause them to bend or break, leading to cuts and tears in the grass.
It can also potentially cause damage to internal components, like the engine and transmission, potentially resulting in costly repairs that can be difficult to repair depending on the type of lawn mower.
Additionally, the rock could be thrown up and hit someone nearby, potentially leading to injury. For this reason, it’s important to be careful when mowing and to always look ahead and be aware of your surroundings to avoid running into rocks or other obstacles.
How far can a lawn mower throw a rock?
A lawn mower is not typically something you would use to throw a rock, as it is generally used to cut grass and similar plants. The design of the lawn mower is not meant to be used to achieve the maximum distance when throwing an object, and the power and velocity it is capable of producing is not suited for doing so.
If you were to try to throw a rock with a lawn mower, the distance achieved would be relatively limited in comparison to what can be achieved with a pitching machine or someone throwing the rock with their own two hands.
What injuries can you get from mowing the yard?
Mowing the yard can result in a range of injuries depending on the type of mower you are using, the size of your yard, and how often you mow your lawn. Possible injuries include cuts, lacerations, blisters, muscle strains, tendonitis, spinal or back strain, or even more serious injuries such as broken bones.
Those using large commercial mowers should be especially vigilant of potential injuries due to the exposed blades, power, and torque of these machines.
Cuts, lacerations, and blisters are the most common injuries associated with mowing. The spinning blades of mowers can cause injury to limbs and digits if one is not careful. These injuries can range from minor cuts to more deep and serious lacerations.
Similarly, prolonged exposure to the vibrating handle of a mower can lead to blisters or calluses on the hands.
Muscle strains or tendonitis are common injuries experienced by lawn mowers due to the repetitive motions of pushing mowers or riding a mower. Back strain can also occur due to pushing mowers or to straining the lower back when steering a riding mower.
Finally, more serious injuries such as broken bones can occur while lawn mowing. Improper clothing or shoes, combined with unexpected slips or falls, can result in serious injuries. Commercial mowers can create additional risks due to their sheer power, torque, and exposed blades.
Therefore, it is essential to use mowers of any size with caution and to be mindful of potential risks and injuries.