Tips to Prevent Injuries

 originally from BAYSTATE MEDICAL CENTER

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Springfield, MA 01199

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7-9-01-211

LAWNMOWERS CAN BE DANGEROUS TO YOUR HEALTH

Devastating accidents to the hand and fingers can occur when used improperly

SPRINGFIELD- This summer, lawnmowers are running constantly as people try to keep their grass trim and beautiful. Unfortunately, this also means the chance for devastating hand injuries from lawn mower accidents, especially to children.

"Every summer we see patients, both adults and children, who come into our office with severe injuries to their hand and fingers," said Dr. Jeffrey Wint of the Hand Center of Western Mass.

According to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, more than 74,000 small children, adolescents and adults are injured by rotary, hand and riding power mowers due to the improper handling of lawnmowers every year.

"Often parents will give their children a ride on the lawnmower as a treat, but this can be very dangerous, as kids can fall off and get injured. Adults who attempt to maintain mowers without taking proper safety precautions often get injured too," added Dr. Wint, who is a member of the medical staff at Baystate Medical Center.

According to Dr. Wint, 20 percent of lawnmower injuries are to the hand, wrist or fingers and about 25 - 50 percent of those injuries result in amputation. He noted that injuries from lawnmower accidents can be devastating and extremely hard to treat. "Injuries can become contaminated from soil or dirt from the mower, which can lead to serious infections resulting in amputations," Dr. Wint warned.

Most injuries can be avoided by using common sense and practicing safe mowing. To stay safe while mowing:

Keep young children away from mowers and mowing area at all times
Educate older children on safely operating mowers and caution them of potential dangers
Never service mowers while in operation and always keep them in good working order
Do not use hands or feet to clean mower, especially around the blade, because even with the mower off, there can still be tension on the blade, which can spin rapidly once cleared
Always use a stick or broom handle to remove any obstruction
Read mower's instruction manual and do not remove safety devices or guards
Never cut grass when wet or when ground is damp and be cautious on hills or slopes
Never allow passengers, other than the operator, on riding mowers
Do not operate lawnmower while barefoot and wear gloves, long pants and goggles.

Parents need to remember that lawnmowers are not toys and must be used appropriately. Many children have died from accidents on or around mowers. Dr. Wint warns that lawnmowers can be "a potential lethal weapon. It is the same caliber as letting kids play with a loaded gun."

There is a need to create an awareness of the potential dangers of lawnmowers, as many of the accidents are preventable.

"It is heartbreaking to see some of these children’s injuries," said Dr. Wint. Remembering these few safety precautions and using sound judgment can keep everyone safe and lawns looking great this summer.

American Academy of Pediatrics Parent Handout

 Consumer Product Safety Commission