Experts recommend steps to prevent lawn mower injuries

Chicago – Approximately 253,000 individuals were treated for lawn mower injuries in 2010, 17,000 of whom were younger than 19, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

To help reduce that number, a group of organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons is launching an education campaign to raise awareness of the dangers.

Recommended injury prevention tips include:

• Children should be at least 12 years old before operating a lawn mower – 16 for ride-on mowers.
• Children should never be passengers on ride-on mowers.
• Always wear sturdy shoes when mowing.
• Young children should be kept at a safe distance from the area you are mowing.
• Pick up debris that may be on the lawn before mowing to prevent injuries from flying objects.
• Use a mower with a control that stops it from moving forward if the handle is released.
• Never pull backwards or mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look behind you when you do.
• Always wear eye and hearing protection when mowing.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons also released a video highlighting the importance of lawn mower safety.