Peak season in swing for home lawn care injuries

Each year, thousands of individuals are injured while mowing the lawn. These injuries can be everything from a first-degree burn, to a tragic amputation or even death.

Community members are urged to use caution while mowing and adhere to the following tips:

• Read the mower’s instruction manual prior to use.

• Keep the mower in good working order.

• Pick up potential flying objects such as stones, toys and debris before mowing.

• Wear goggles, hearing protection, gloves, long pants and closed-toe shoes.

• Do not drink alcohol or use other substances, before or while using the lawn mower.

• Do not remove safety devices or guards on switches.

• Never insert hands or feet into the mower, to remove grass or debris.

• Never lift a mower by the bottom for transport; the blades can cut fingers, even if they are not moving.

• Never cut grass when it is wet or damp.

• Never allow children under age 12 to operate a push mower or those under 16 to drive a riding mower. Keep children off the lawn while mowing and never have a passenger on a riding mower.

• Do not pull a mower backward or ride it in reverse, unless necessary.

Some of the most common lawn care injuries include the following:

• Cuts can occur anywhere on the body, but most often occur on the hands and feet from the sharp blades. Small wounds or cuts can harbor unsafe bacteria. Infections are common and antibiotic medicines usually are necessary.

• The hot engine, gas tank or exhaust of a lawn mower can cause severe burns.

• A variety of injuries may be caused by items, such as rocks, sticks or other loose objects in the lawn thrown from the spinning blades.

• The rotating blades of a mower can cause broken bones.

• The sharp blades of a mower can amputate part of an arm, leg, hand or foot. Plus, burns, cuts and fractures can be so severe, that the injured part of the body requires amputation to prevent infection and further complications.

If someone experiences a lawn mowing injury, it’s important to seek emergency help

immediately.