Lawnmower Safey

Posted by: at 8:10 AM on June 13th, 2017

A new study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine documents that at least 13 children are sent to the hospital each day because they sustain injuries from lawnmowers. The data, compiled by the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, shows that nearly 5,000 children get hurt every year. 

The majority of the injuries are burns and cuts, primarily to the hands, fingers, toes and feet. Although most children who are injured by lawnmowers did not need additional medical attention, the study found that almost 10% of those injured needed to be admitted to hospitals to receive further medical care.

Being a bystander as someone uses a push or ride-on mower can be even more dangerous, the report found. Statistics show that bystanders are nearly 4 times more likely to be injured than the person operating a lawnmower. This is because if a lawnmower runs over an object, like a large rock, it can cause serious projectile injuries. Because projectile injuries can be fairly common, wearing protective gear such as safety goggles can help limit the chances of sustaining a serious eye injury.