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Teach children the importance of lawn mower safety

Each year, thousands of people are injured because of improper or careless lawn mower use. Dangers include contact with rotating blades, which can cause deep cuts or amputation, and debris kicked up by mower blades, which travels with the speed and energy of a gunshot. These are potential threats not only to the person operating the mower, but to anyone in the surrounding area.

It’s important to teach your child about lawn mower safety. The best safety practice is to keep children, pets and other adults indoors while the mower is used. If they are outside, be aware of everyone’s location when mowing, and keep them away from the working area.

At what age can my child start mowing?

Before teaching your child how to use a lawn mower, ensure they have the maturity, strength and coordination required. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:

  • 12 years of age for walk-behind power mowers or hand mowers
  • 16 years of age for riding lawn mowers

If your child is old enough:

  • Spend time teaching your child how to use a lawn mower safely.
  • Supervise their work until you’re confident they can handle the task alone.

Lawn mower safety guidelines

Before mowing:

  • Read the lawn mower operator’s manual and instructions.
  • Check all safety equipment and the mower condition.
  • Clear the mowing area of objects that could be picked up by the mower blades.
  • Ensure other people and pets are indoors or away from the mowing area.

While mowing:

  • Never allow children to ride as passengers on riding lawn mowers or garden tractors.
  • Avoid mowing during bad weather or low daylight and when the grass is wet.
  • Be cautious of objects that could be thrown by mower blades.
  • Watch for hidden dangers in tall grass.
  • Approach corners and obstacles carefully.
  • Inspect the mower if it strikes an object.
  • Avoid pulling the mower backward unless necessary.
  • Use extra caution on slopes.
  • Wear long pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes with slip-proof soles.

After mowing:

  • Keep children away from the mower due to the extreme heat of the engine and its components.
  • If using a gas-powered mower, avoid refueling until the engine has cooled down.
  • Make sure the mower and any gas and oil containers are stored properly in a safe place.