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Kimberly Woodson of Farmers Insurance Group is always looking for ways to make our community safer. Sure, she sells insurance — but she also gives great tips on safety for families even if you’re not in the market to purchase insurance!
Check this out.
By Kimberly Woodson
Spring and summer — time to appreciate the outdoors. And for many of us, time to do landscaping and yard work. Be careful though — your lawn mower can be a helpful tool or a dangerous weapon and your yard could become a “toe-away” zone.
Push or ride
There are two basic types of power lawn mowers: the kind you push and the kind you ride. And for both, the leading cause of accidents is contact with the rotating blade. Don’t ever place your fingers under the skirt of the mower near the blade, or let others do so, in an effort to clear away a clump of grass or other debris. Never reach into the discharge chute.
Dangerous projectiles
The tip of a lawn mower blade can be moving as fast as 200 miles per hour, and can project small, hard objects such as tiny stones, as far as 50 feet. These projectiles can travel in any direction, potentially injuring those nearby as well as the operator.
Roll-over and back-over risks
Riding mowers have some unique risks, such as the potential instability of the mower, which may cause it to overturn under certain conditions. The overturned mower may fall on the operator causing injury and/or contact with the blade. The gas tank may be damaged and rupture, presenting a fire risk.
Riding mowers are subject to back-over accidents because of the driver’s limited rear visibility. Keep children and other persons out of this “blind” zone.
The bottom line: When operating any type of lawn mower remain vigilant and calm. Know who is around you and what is in front of you and try to be aware of anything or anyone behind you.
And the doctor says …
“We still see too many foot injuries from power lawn mowers,” says foot and ankle surgeon James Thomas, DPM, FACFAS.1 “The blades whirl at 3,000 revolutions per minute and produce three times the kinetic energy of a .357 handgun. Yet we see patients who have been hurt while operating a mower barefoot! Foot injuries range from dirty, infection-prone lacerations to severed tendons to amputated toes.”1
He advises anyone who operates a power mower to take a few simple precautions:
- Don’t mow a wet lawn — one of the leading causes of lawn mower-related foot injuries is slipping on wet grass
- Wear heavy shoes or work boots — no sandals, flip flops or sneakers
- Mow slowly across slopes — never go up and down
- Never pull a running mower backward
- Keep the clip bag attached — this may help prevent projectile injuries
- Always keep children away from the area
If you are injured by a lawn mower, seek medical attention immediately, even if you think the injury is minor. And always practice safety first.
Call me today so we can review your coverage if you need help or just friendly advice – 804-980-7353. Visit my website anytime.
Kimberly Woodson is an advertiser on Richmondmom.com
