Lawnmower Safety

Around this time of year, mowing the lawn is a common household chore. Whether you own a ride-on lawn mower or a push lawn mower, these tools can be dangerous - especially when kids are around. At

Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, we treat more than 10 kids each year who've suffered a severe injury from a lawn mower accident. Of those, most cases involve amputation of a hand or foot, says Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Sawyer, of Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics.

"Lawn mowers aren't toys," Sawyer said.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) released information recently warning parents about the dangers of lawn mowers. According to the AAOS, 253,000 people were treated for lawn mower-related injuries last year alone.

"Children do not belong on a lawn mower," said Dr. Derek Kelly, also a pediatric orthopedic surgeon with Campbell Clinic. "Most of the injuries we see come from children who are passengers on a ride-on lawn mower. No one should be a passenger on a lawn mower."

He also urges parents and caretakers to be careful when mowing the lawn even when children aren't near.

"Lawn mowers are loud, and you can't hear if a kid is coming. Be cautious," said Kelly.

The AAOS also offers the following tips to avoid injury:

• Children should be at least 12 years old before they operate any lawn mower, and at least 16 years old for a ride-on mower. "Parental supervision good for younger, inexperienced children who mow the yard," Sawyer said.
• Children should never be passengers on ride-on mowers.
• Young children should be at a safe distance from the area you are mowing.
• Pick up stones, toys and debris from the lawn to prevent injuries from flying objects.
• Use a mower with a control that stops it from moving forward if the handle is released.
• Never pull backward or mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary - carefully look for others behind you when you do.