Health Tip: Precautions While Mowing the Lawn

Playing near lawn mowers is dangerous for children and adolescents, and adults can get hurt, too, if they don't take the proper precautions. To prevent lawn mower-related injuries, follow these safety suggestions from the American Academy of Pediatrics:

• Use a mower the comes with safety features, like a control that prevents the mower from moving forward if the handles are released.


• Never let children younger than 16 use a riding mower, and children younger than 12 use a push mower.


• Never allow children to ride on mowers, even with an adult.


• Always wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes while mowing, never sandals or flip flops that leave portions of the feet exposed.


• Clean the yard of things like rocks, sticks, and toys before mowing to prevent injuries from flying objects.


• Don't allow children to be in the yard while mowing.


• Always turn the mower off and let the blades stop completely before reaching around the blades.


• Avoid mowing in reverse.