Some of the most frequent and serious injuries in the landscape industry involve mowers, but because crew members are so familiar with these machines, it’s easy to overlook the hazards associated with them. Each year, approximately 70,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for mower -related injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Injuries are split almost equally between those involving walk-behind mowers and those involving riding mowers. About 90 people die annually due to these incidents, usually when riding mowers overturn (crushing operators or pinning them under water) or when the machines run over victims. Finger, toe, hand and foot amputations are possible, and cuts and lacerations can require emergency surgery. Injuries are extremely painful and can cause permanent disability.
The following checklist, dos and don’ts can help prevent mower-related safety mistakes.