8 Tips to Prevent Lawnmower Injuries This Summer Posted on July 11, 2018 Each year Connecticut Children’s treats young children aged 4 and under who are severely injured in incidents involving lawn mowers, some even losing limbs as a result. Garry Lapidus, PA-C, MPH, director of the Injury Prevention Center at Connecticut Children’s, notes that about 10,000 children are injured each year by lawn mowing equipment. To reduce the risk, Lapidus offers this advice: Children under age 6 should be kept indoors while mowing is being done. Don’t allow children of any age to play near the area being mowed. Don’t allow children to ride as passengers on riding mowers. Before mowing, clear the lawn of any sticks, stones or other objects that the mower could pick up and spit out. Make sure the equipment’s automatic blade control and other safety features are operational. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children be at least 12 years old to operate a push mower and at least 16 to operate a riding mower. But parents must judge whether the individual child has the maturity, coordination and physical strength to do either safely. Instruct operators to mow across a slope when using a push mower, and mow up and down when using a ride-on mower. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes (not sandals or flip-flops), safety goggles and ear protection when mowing. Learn more about Connecticut Children’s Injury Prevention Center
