Like many homeowners, you may use a lawnmower to help maintain your property. Lawnmowers are powerful tools, but they can also be very dangerous. In 2006, for example, almost 100,000 people suffered injuries by power, hand and riding mowers. Most injuries are sustained by adults 25 to 64 years old, followed by children under the age of five and people age 65 and older. The estimated medical, legal, insurance and disability costs to treat these injuries is $567,000,000 every year and rising.

Each year, many thousands of people suffer deep cuts, loss of fingers and toes, crushed and broken bones, joint injuries, burns, infections, other injuries, and even death due to improper or careless use of lawnmowers. Injuries happen to people from all age groups, mostly adults between the ages of 25 and 64 years.

Most lawnmower injuries are preventable if you concentrate on your task and use common sense. Here are some basic tips for staying safe.

• Keep lawnmowers in good working order with sharp blades.
• When using a lawn mower for the first time in a season, have it serviced to ensure that it is working correctly.
• Be sure the motor is off before inspecting or repairing lawn mower equipment.
• Use a stick or broom handle (not your hands or feet) to remove debris in lawnmowers.

• Read the instruction manual before using a lawnmower.
• Do not remove safety devices, shields, or guards on switches.
• Add fuel before starting the engine, not when it is running or hot.
• Do not leave a lawnmower unattended when it is running. If you must walk away from the machine, shut off the engine.
• Stay away from the engine cowling, as it can become very hot and burn unprotected flesh.

• Wear protective gloves, goggles, boots, and long pants when you use lawnmowers. Never mow barefoot or in sandals.
• Do not consume any alcoholic beverages before operating a lawnmower.
• Hands and feet should never be used to touch the lawn mower blade under any circumstances, even if the engine seems to be off. Once cleared of an obstruction, the blade can swing around and cause serious bodily harm.

• Teach children to stay away from all running lawn mowers.
• Children should not be allowed to play in or near areas where lawn mowers are used, nor should they be allowed to ride on mowers as passengers or to be towed behind.
• Never allow a child or another passenger to ride on a mower, even with parents.
• Never let children operate lawnmowers. They should not be allowed to operate the equipment until they are at least in their early or mid-teens and can show adequate judgment, strength, and coordination.

• Remove stones, toys and other objects from the lawn before you start mowing.
• Use caution when mowing hills and slopes. Mow across with a push mower; mow up and down with a riding mower. Do not cut wet grass.

Sources: National Electronic Injury Surveillance Systems of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC); Consumer Product Safety Commission, NEISS.