Lawn and Garden Care Dangers

There are about 75 people killed and about 20,000 more injured on or near riding lawnmowers and garden tractors each year. Sadly, one out of every five deaths involves a child.

There are some safety precautions that you can take to prevent injuries:

• Keep children out of the yard while you are mowing, and do not let them ride the mower. More than 800 children are run over or backed over by riding lawn mowers each year.
• If children do enter the mowing area, turn off the mower.
• Take extra care when backing up or mowing around trees, shrubs, corners, and other obstacles.
• Keep children away from power equipment. This could prevent burns from mufflers or engines.
• Know how to properly operate your power equipment.
• Make sure that all safety devices are in place.
• Dress appropriately for the job.
• Make sure that all hazardous objects are removed from the mowing area, this includes sticks, string, glass, toys, and stones. Objects such as nails and wire, if thrown by the mower are capable of killing bystanders.
• Never use electric power tools in damp or wet conditions. To guard against electrocution, install a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
• Make sure that extension cords are in good condition, rated for outdoor use, and the proper gauge for the capacity of the tool.
• Unplug all electrical tools and disconnect spark plug wires on gasoline-powered tools before making any adjustments, or moving any parts.
• If you have to leave a power tool for any length of time, make sure that it is turned off and made inoperable.
• Handle gasoline with care. Store it in an appropriate container. Never smoke or use any type of flame around gasoline.

Combining safety and common sense while working in your lawn and garden can prevent a lot of needless accidents. If you learn the hazards associated with each piece of equipment, and take the necessary precautions, the number of possible injuries to your children and yourself could be greatly reduced.