When combined, children and lawnmowers can become a dangerous combination. This summer, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and other medical societies have offered several safety tips for preventing lawnmower-related injuries.
When such injuries occur, it’s often a plastic surgeon that performs reconstructive surgery, hand surgery or wound care to restore form and function.
Safety Tips Courtesy of the official ASPS Press Release
- 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.
- Children should never be passengers on ride-on mowers.
- Always wear sturdy shoes while mowing – not sandals.
- 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.
- Always wear eye and hearing protection.
- 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.Plastic