Lawn Mowers: Danger In Your Yard

Susan Koeppen: Injuries Can Be Very Serious, And Are On The Rise

(CBS) 

But, Koeppen points out, the majority of kids injured by lawn mowers are teenagers.

"The adolescents," Kozin observes, "are the ones that are cutting the lawn for their allowance. The lawnmower gets stuck, they do something stupid, they put their foot in, they reach their hand in, and it's amputated."

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that no one under age 16 should use a riding mower, and no one under age 12 should use a push mower.

"A lawn mower is a machine, and it can be a dangerous machine if not used properly," stresses Barbara Hastings, who is with Troy-Bilt, a leading mower manufacturer. Her company has put warning stickers on every model.

Based on the study results, Koeppen says, experts recommend some steps that promote lawnmower safety:

Wear goggles, long pants and close-toed shoes with gripped soles

Clear the yard of debris before mowing, so none cay fly around, potentially hitting someone

Keep everyone, especially small children, from the yard while mowing

People with histories of chest, back or joint pain should reconsider mowing

Use care and wear protective gloves when servicing mowers or changing blades

Many injuries occur while lifting mowers, so get help if needed

Never service the mower while it's running

Mow only in good weather; avoid mowing in high heat

Don't use riding mowers on steep hills or embankments

Don't carry passengers on riding mowers, or tow passengers behind the mower

Store mowers in areas with minimal traffic and that aren't accessible to children.

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