Lawn mower injuries increasing, organizations say

Chicago – Approximately 17,000 children younger than 19 were treated for lawn mower-related injuries in 2010, and overall lawn mower injuries increased 3 percent from the previous year, according to a joint statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

The groups offer these tips for parents who allow their children to operate a lawn mower:

• Only use lawn mowers that stop running if the handle is released.
• Ensure children wear sturdy shoes.
• Have small objects removed from the ground before mowing begins.
• Always turn off the mower before performing any maintenance.
• Avoid pulling the machine backward.
• Never use hands to remove debris in a mower.