According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), approximately 75,000 people are seriously injured each year when mowing their lawn.

Safety should be your number one priority when operating a lawn mower or any other lawncare equipment. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), approximately 75,000 people are seriously injured each year when mowing their lawn. Let’s make sure you aren’t one of them…

1. Know your mower.
   The first time you use a new lawn mower, read the owner’s manual. The more you know about your mower, the less likely you are to get in an accident.
    
2. Wear proper clothing.
   Flipflops and a T-shirt are probably not the best lawn mowing attire. Wearing the right clothing can protect your body from harm. Non-slick shoes, long pants, and a long-sleeve shirt are recommended to protect yourself from objects that might be thrown from the mower.
    
3. Monitor the area.
   Before you begin mowing, look throughout your lawn to make sure it is clear of any rocks, tree limbs, and other debris, which can get caught in the blades.     
    
4. Never remove anything from the mower while it is running.
   Make sure the mower is turned off and the blades have stopped moving before attempting to remove anything from underneath it. Whenever possible, use a stick or tool instead of your fingers to remove any objects that are caught in the mower.
    
5. Do not remove safety devices or switch guards.
   Newer mowers are built with your safety in mind. Don’t remove any of the safety features that the manufacturer has put on the mower. Doing so can increase your chances of getting injured and could cause your mower to malfunction.
    
6. Never leave your mower unattended.
   An unattended lawn mower can be captivating to a child. If you must leave your mower in the yard, even if just for a moment, make sure it is completely turned off. If the mower has an electric start, make sure the key is not in the ignition. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than 9,000 children in the U.S. are hospitalized each for year for mower-related injuries.
    

When it’s time to cut the grass again, you can keep yourself and others out of harm’s way by keeping these tips from the III in mind. Happy mowing!