As we finally start to get some warm days in Wayne, New Jersey, many of our patients at North Jersey Podiatry will be thinking about getting out the lawn mower and beginning that seasonal cycle of grass cutting. We’d like to take this opportunity to offer a few reminders to ensure that your lawn grooming season gets off on safe footing.

Consider the following:

  • Blades on a power mower whirl at 3,000 revolutions per minute
  • The average mower produces three times as much energy as a .357 handgun
  • According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, approximately 25,000 Americans are injured when using power mowers each year
  • Statistics show that greatest amount of mower injuries occur in children under the age of 14 and adults age 44 and older
  • Many accidents are reported to occur to people mowing the lawn barefoot!

Playing it Safe

Sadly, many lawn mower injuries could have been avoided with a few simple precautions. Be sure you observe the following safety tips when using your power mower:

  • Always wear work boots or other heavy shoes when mowing. Sneakers are no match for sharp mower blades.
  • Don’t mow after a rainstorm—the most common cause of mower injuries are from loss of control of the mower on wet grass.
  • Know where your children are when mowing. Make it a rule to never allow children to come out onto the lawn while you are mowing. Show them how loud the mower is and explain that you will not be able to hear them behind you.
  • Always mow across slopes, not up and down.
  • Don’t allow children to ride on your lap while mowing.
  • Use a clip bag attachment or pick up sticks, toys, etc. before mowing to prevent objects from flying out from under the mower and possibly striking someone.
  • Choose a mower that has an auto release mechanism on the handle so that it shuts off if your hands let go.
  • Don’t attempt to pull a running mower backward.

Treat any mower injuries immediately. Lawn mower blades are dirty—even seemingly superficial cuts can become infected if not cleaned out completely and properly. If you sustain a more serious foot injury that requires emergency room treatment, be sure to follow up with our podiatrist, Dr. Paul G. Klein to be sure it is healing properly. Contact us by calling: (973) 595-1555.