Lawn mower safety campaign in full swing

MARSHFIELD, Wis. — Whether you live in an urban or rural area, lawn mower safety is important — especially for young people.

Despite improvements in engineering and safety features, lawn mower accidents in youth have remained constant for 40 years.

To help prevent injuries, the Childhood Agricultural Safety Network announced a lawn mower safety campaign.

“Injuries associated with mowers can happen in an instant, so it is important to be safety prepared,” said Andrea Swenson, director of the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety.

Lawn mower safety strategies include:

• Children younger than 12 should not operate push-style lawn mowers. It is recommended no one younger than 16 operate a riding mower.

• Never let a second person ride or jump on a mower while it’s running.

• Always wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Do not mow in sandals or with bare feet.

• Before mowing, scan the lawn to remove toys, hoses, tools and large rocks — they could become projectiles.

• Keep children out of the mowing area.

• Stay alert to others entering the mowing area.

Did You Know?

• Nearly 10,000 child and youth lawn mower injuries occur in the United States annually, including lacerations, burns and eye injuries.

• Approximately 5% of injuries result in amputation.

Access Resources

The Childhood Agricultural Safety Network published two sets of campaign fact sheets and posters: one for youth and one for the adults who supervise them.

Both include illustrations of safety topics covering supervision, personal protective equipment, appropriate shoes, bystanders and debris in the grass.

Campaign materials include resources for traditional mowers. Resources on electric mowers will be released later this year.

To learn more, visit cultivatesafety.org/casn.