People fall victim to the revolving blades of powered lawn mowers each year, according Bob Schultheis, a natural resource engineering specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
"Objects can be thrown at more than 200 mph — about 300 feet per second. The reaction time of most people is about two-thirds of a second, so there is no time to react to a spinning blade or to a thrown object," Schultheis said.
A special precaution should be taken by adults to make sure kids are properly trained before letting them mow.
Schultheis says if slopes are too steep for either riding or push mowers, they should be trimmed by hand or planted in a low-maintenance ground cover.
With riding mowers, take extra care when turning, and look behind before backing up. With push mowers, avoid pulling backward. You risk having your feet slip under the mower deck.
Whether power or push, be sure to shut the mower off before unclogging it or leaving it.
"People in tennis shoes, sandals, bare feet and shorts run the risk of serious injury if the mower throws a rock or stick, or if their feet slip on the grass," Schultheis said.
Schultheis also recommends selecting the right mower for the job and making sure you have the size, strength and experience to run it. Take time to get to know the equipment, read the owner’s manual and follow all safety decal instructions.
It is also a good idea to prepare properly by making sure all mower guards and controls are working.
“Pick up sticks, toys, rocks and trash in the area to be mown. Dress for safety too. This means wearing deep-tread, hard-toe shoes and long pants for foot and leg protection,” said Schultheis.
It is also a good idea to use safety glasses and expandable foam ear plugs, plus a dust mask for those prone to respiratory allergies.
“Wait until grass is dry before mowing. With push mowers, mow across the slope, never up and down. With riding mowers, mow up and down slopes; not across them, and never allow extra riders,” said Schultheis.
For more information call Schultheis at the Webster County Extension Center, (417) 859-2044.
