Don’t cut it close – manage mower safety

Over the past five years, VRSA has received nearly 200 claims for injuries and property damage caused by lawnmowers and string trimmers.  67 of these claims are specific to injuries caused by lawnmowers.

Across the United States, nearly 74 deaths occur and 25,000 people receive emergency treatment each year as a result of riding-mower activities, according to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission. Many of these injuries are a result of being crushed or pinned by machines that have overturned.

As mowing season ramps up, it is important to take time to train employees on the importance of lawn mower and string trimmer safety. The following items are recommended to include in this training.

Before Mowing

• Check fluids, including engine oil, radiator water, and other lubricating fluids.
• Check the condition of the machinery pulleys, drive belts, and guards and whether they are properly positioned.
• Check the battery for possible corrosion.
• Ensure that guards are in place and that all safeguards are working properly.
• Inspect the blades to ensure they are sharp. DO NOT reach under the equipment unless the engine is off AND the key is removed.
• Walk through the area to be mowed, and check for any obstructions or hazards that could become projectiles when struck by a mower blade.

Fueling

Have a fire extinguisher readily available whenever flammable liquids are being dispensed.

• Never fuel a running or hot engine – allow it to cool first.
• Use approved safety cans to dispense flammable liquids.
• Always use a metal funnel when transferring fuel.

Personal Protective Equipment

• Wear long pants and a shirt while mowing.  These should be close fitting to reduce the potential for clothing to be caught in moving parts.
• Eliminate additional exposures by prohibiting jewelry or dangling clothing, hair, wraps, etc.
• Wear personal protective equipment, which may include: sturdy leather shoes with good traction, eye and hearing protection, gloves, and high-visibility tops (shirts, sweatshirts, jackets).

Starting the Mower

• Start the riding mower while in the driver’s seat and only when the transmission is in neutral and the brake is on.
• If the equipment doesn’t sound as though it is running properly, turn the equipment off and inspect it for possible causes.

While Mowing

• Mow near medians and areas of traffic when the traffic volume is low, such as mid-morning, if possible.
• When mowing on slopes, move up and down the slopes as opposed to horizontally.
• Follow the lawnmower manufacturer’s designated maximum safe slope for operating specific machinery.  The recommended maximum slope accounts for the stability of the equipment on different grades while maintaining proper engine lubrication. Do not mow on slopes when the grass is wet, if possible.

After Mowing

• Completely shut down the equipment and remove the key from the ignition before performing any maintenance.
• Never dismount a running mower.
• Clean the mower at the end of each shift.

Maintenance

Perform routine maintenance on the equipment, using the manufacturer’s recommendations as a guide.  This will improve longevity and ensure a safe running piece of equipment.  Document and retain all maintenance and repair information for each piece of equipment.