Some people love landscaping their home, while others view it as a necessary chore. Regardless of how you feel, it’s always important to exercise safety when operating a lawn mower. Just like chainsaws or hedge trimmers, if the necessary precautions aren’t taken when mowing the lawn, it can result in serious harm. By following these simple do’s and don’ts, however, you can ensure your safety and keep the landscaping beautiful all season long.

Do:

Wear protective footwear.

Sandals may be great for lounging by a pool, but they aren’t safe when operating a lawn mower. They leave the foot exposed to the blade, and they are also more likely to cause you to slip or stumble. Always wear sneakers or boots that cover the foot and won’t slip on the freshly mowed yard.

Clear debris before mowing.

Running a lawn mower over rocks, branches, or toys turns these small objects into dangerous missiles that can harm nearby people and damage the property. Before starting, check the lawn for any of this debris and remove it from the area.

Don’t:

Let kids ride.

If you use a riding mower or zero turn mower, never allow your child to ride with you. Children can slip off and fall to the ground, which puts them at risk of being injured. It also diverts your attention from the task at hand and makes the job more dangerous for other people around.

Pull lawn mower backward:

It’s recommended that you only push the lawn mower forward. If you slip while pulling it backward, you can accidentally pull the mower on top of yourself, resulting in a serious injury.

 

Following these do’s and don’ts when using a lawn mower will keep you, your family, and your property safe. If you’re in the market for new power equipment to help with your landscaping needs, visit the experts at Wagoner Power Equipment in Englewood, OH. As the area’s premier Stihl^® retailer, they carry a wide selection of tools that will make you a landscaping expert. Call (937) 836-9611 to speak with a representative, or visit them online to browse their inventory of products.