Experts offer lawn mower safety tips

Chicago – With summer approaching, three medical organizations have teamed up to issue tips to help prevent lawn mower injuries.

More than 234,000 people received medical treatment for lawn mower-related injuries in 2012, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery suggest taking the following precautions to help reduce the risk of injury:

• Use a lawn mower with a control that stops the blade if the handle is released.
• Remove stones, toys and other objects from the lawn before mowing to prevent injuries from flying objects.
• Kids should be at least 12 years old before operating a push lawn mower and 16 before operating a riding mower.
• Wear polycarbonate protective eyewear while operating the mower.
• Do not allow children as passengers on riding lawn mowers, and keep them out of the yard while mowing.
• Drive up and down slopes, not across, to prevent mower rollover.
• Use a stick or broom handle – not your hands – to clear debris from the mower.