Summertime Safety

The Home Safety Council urges summer safety – especially for lawn mower operators.

Published July 03, 2003

The summer season marks a time for consumers to enjoy some of America's traditional summer pastimes – barbecues, pool parties and backyard gatherings. However, the seasonal festivities can be jeopardized by a trip to the emergency room when simple safety steps are not observed.

Backyard Safety. Lawn mowing and landscaping top the list of chores necessary when preparing for backyard parties and barbecues. The simple act of yard work can be riddled with opportunities for injuries, if the equipment operator is not careful. According to the State of Home Safety in America report, an estimated 239,000 people require emergency room care due to yard and garden equipment incidents. The Home Safety Council recommends the following tips to make sure a landscape doesn't become an injury trap:

  • Wear protective goggles and ear protection while using outdoor machinery to prevent sight and hearing-loss injuries.
  • Keep all garden tools out of children's reach and store them with tines, blades or spikes pointing downward.
  • Fuel mowers outside and only when the motor is completely cool. If necessary, store small quantities of gasoline in a detached garage or shed, tightly sealed in an approved safety container and out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Start the mower outdoors to avoid raising carbon monoxide levels inside the garage.
  • Store pesticides in their original containers and out of the reach of children, and only mix and store pesticides in containers not used for eating or drinking.
  • Clear sidewalks and pathways of any toys and clutter to avoid slips and falls.
  • Make sure all play areas are equipped with proper shock-absorbing materials, such as 9 inches of wood chips, mulch or shredded rubber.*
    (* Consumer Products Safety Commission)

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