1. Be Smart, Be Safe

326. Lawn Mower Safety

Getting sliced by a lawn mower blade and being hit by rocks or other propelled objects are the two most common lawn mower-related injuries. (Mower blades rotate at nearly 200 miles per hour, and seemingly harmless sticks and stones often become dangerous missiles when picked up and hurled at that speed.)

To mow grass safely:

1. •Before you start to mow, clear the lawn of sticks, stones, toys, garden hoses, and so forth.
   

2. •Don’t use electric mowers on wet grass.
   

3. •Wear heavy-duty shoes and long pants to protect your legs.
   

4. •Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes. Wear ear protectors (like those worn on shooting ranges) to protect your hearing.
   

5. •Push the mower, never pull it (if you have a push mower).
   

6. •Mow across a slope, not up or down, so the mower doesn’t slide or fall on top of you. Look several feet ahead when mowing.
   

7. •Turn off the engine if you have to check the blade, or clean or adjust the mower. Never fuel a lawn mower when the engine is hot. Spilled fuel or fumes can result in an explosion or fire. Instead, allow the engine to cool before refueling.
   

8. •Never allow children to operate a power mower, and keep small children far away from a mower that’s in use.