Lawn Mower Accidents Are Rising—Here’s How Parents Can Keep Kids Safe
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Experts at Nationwide Children's Hospital have noticed a 350% increase in lawn mower injuries this year. These injuries are preventable.
GettyImages/Elena Medoks
Fact checked by Sarah ScottFact checked by Sarah ScottThe temperature isn’t the only thing that rises in the summer. Lawn mower injuries that send children to the emergency room also typically increase as the weather warms, but new data from Nationwide Children's Hospital shows the surge is more significant this year.Physicians from the Columbus, Ohio-based hospital system are reporting a 350% increase in lawn mower incidents compared to the same period in 2022 and 2023. While lawn mower injuries are unfortunately common during the summer—about 10,000 kids are injured every year—Nationwide Children’s experts can’t say why 2024 has brought a higher rate.“What we do know is that this increase in injuries means it is really important for us to get the message out about how they can be prevented," says Tracy Mehan, MA, the director of research translation and communication at the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital. "When lawn mower injuries do occur, they can be devastating and life-changing for not only the person injured but for the entire family. “Here are ways to prevent lawn mower injuries and when it’s OK to start letting tweens and teens pitch in and help mow the lawn.Causes of Lawn Mower InjuriesThere are different types of lawn mowers, but understanding, generally, how these incidents happen can help prevent them. “There are two categories of injuries we typically see: injuries to the person who is using the lawn mower or injuries to a bystander or passenger,” Mehan says.In either case, Mehan says injuries can happen when a person is:Hit by a lawn mower or a projectile objectCut by the lawn mowerBurned from touching the lawn mower with a body partOperators can get injured when the:Blades are still moving when a person tries to unclog them, discharge the chute, remove the grass catcher, or get off a riding lawn mowerLawn mower doesn’t automatically stop when they let go of the handlePerson falls off the lawn mowerLeg, foot, arm, or hand touches the lawn mower while it’s hot Bystanders and passengers can get injured when the person:Tries to get the operator’s attention by walking toward them (“A great example is when an adult is on a riding lawn mower and a child runs after them to get their attention,” Mehan says. “Due to the noise of the machine, the person operating the lawn mower often can’t hear them. All it takes is a quick turn or the operator backing up without looking behind them, and serious injuries can occur.”)Gets hit by projectiles“Rides” a riding lawn mower with the operator and falls off, potentially under the blade Touches the mower when they don’t realize it is still hotWhat Is the Most Common Injury From a Lawn Mower?Mehan says lawn mower-related injuries can include:Deep cutsLoss of fingers, hands, toes, or feetBroken or dislocated bonesBurnsEye injuriesSoft tissue damageSprains or strainsLawn Mower Safety TipsThese injuries are accidents, and many parents or adults may be well-meaning when they let a child ride on a lawn mower. However, Mehan and other experts share that avoiding risk is important. These tips can help you protect your family (and determine when an older child can take on the chore of lawn mowing).Keep children inside when mowing the lawnHaving children around—and even helping with—household tasks like folding laundry can benefit both you and the child. Yet, mowing the lawn is best left to responsible older people. “When the lawn is being mowed, children should undergo supervised activities in the house,” says Todd Zimmerman, DO, a pediatric emergency medicine physician and medical director at Pediatrix Medical Group. “Make sure there is always clear communication between the caretakers/parents of when and who is going to be mowing the lawn in order to arrange for direct supervision.”Educate children about lawn mower safetyEvery expert Parents spoke with stressed that it’s best for younger children to be inside while an adult mows the lawn. But that may not be possible for every family.“If unavoidable, be sure the children understand the importance of staying away while the mower is running and, if possible, have another adult observe them at all times,” explains Ryan M. Zimmerman, MD, FAAOS, a hand, shoulder, and elbow surgeon at Curtis National Hand Center (MedStar Health).Mehan says this education is critical for children kept indoors while adults mow the lawn.“Teach kids that lawn mowers aren’t toys,” Mehan says. “Never let a child on or near a mower—even when it is not in use. No passengers allowed. This means no rides, even when the mower is off.”Safety matters when not in use, tooIn addition to not allowing children to ride on or touch lawn mowers when they are not in use, adults should also ensure they are correctly stopped and stored.“Always disengage blades and turn off the engine before stopping or getting off the mower,” says Daniel Ganjian, MD, FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in California.Mehan also advises caregivers to put away the lawn mower, edgers, and gasoline before letting kids outside.Also? Just because a lawn mower doesn’t look hot doesn’t mean a child won’t get burned.“Remember, hot lawn mowers look the same as cold lawn mowers, and 60% of the injuries to young children are burns,” Mehan says.Give young children other jobsSome kids are eager to help with household chores, and parents may (understandably) want to nurture this desire. While children may be too young to mow the lawn, they can help in other ways. Dr. Ganjian says safe ways to let a kid contribute (or feel like they are contributing) to the family’s outdoor space include:Raking leaves: This can build motor skillsCarrying lightweight watering tools: Make sure there's supervision to avoid spillsSorting recyclables: This teaches sorting and environmental awarenessGardening: This can be assisting with weeding and plant-wateringToy lawn mowers: Pretend play is a good ideaImportantly, Mehan says these tasks should be done during times when an adult isn’t mowing the lawn.When Can a Child Help Mow the Lawn?Your first paying gig may have been mowing lawns in the neighborhood, and you may want to have your child do the same to teach them the value of a dollar or build character. Whatever your reason, it’s valid. However, the appropriate age to have them start depends on the type of lawn mower and your child.“Pediatricians recommend age 12 for a push mower and 16 for a riding mower,” Dr. Ryan Zimmerman says. “Beyond their age, make sure any child using a mower is responsible enough to exercise good judgment and know when to ask for help.”Mehan says educating teens about safe lawn mower use is vital before letting them DIY.Safety tips to go over include: Remove all sticks, toys, and debris from the yard before mowing.Wear protective gear like safety glasses, close-toed shoes, gloves, and hearing protection when mowing.Check the weather, and only mow when the grass is dry and when the forecast is free of bad weather, such as pending thunderstorms.Ensure young children are inside before mowing.Make sure blades have come to a complete stop before crossing over gravel or touching any part of the mower, including attempting to unclog the discharge chute or removing the grass catcher.Always mow forward. If you must mow in reverse, always look behind you before attempting to back up.“Supervise them during their first several attempts so you can correct any potentially risky behavior,” suggests Mehan. For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Parents.
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