Newsletter -Spring 2001

Lawn Care Safety

Well-maintained lawns provide a pleasant setting for many of our workplaces and homes. Keeping them mowed is a job involving some hazards. If you mow lawns as part of your job or at home, wear protective gear and use safe practices.

Before starting the task, putting on the proper clothing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential. A long sleeved shirt, long pants, heavy work boots preferably with steel toes, gloves, safety glasses and hearing protection are minimum clothing requirements for basic lawn care such as mowing, trimming and edging.



Before beginning to mow the lawn, carefully walk around and remove objects that could be thrown from under the mower or become caught in the blade.



Before operating the mower, review the owner's manual for a safety checklist that should be followed each and every time the mower is used. Always check the owner's manual for instructions on safely shutting down the mower before servicing.



Never fill a hot mower or power tool with gasoline. Allow ample time for the motor to cool. Gasoline is very flammable and can be ignited if spilled on a hot motor.



Never operate a mower on a steep incline. The mower can become unstable and overturn.



Be cautious of others who may be working or standing nearby. Power tools can inadvertently throw objects in their direction. Ask bystanders to move away from the mower or mow in another direction to protect them.



If using electric lawn care tools such as an edger, trimmer or hedge clipper, always keep the electric cord a safe distance from the cutting edge of the tool. Use only properly grounded tools and electric outlets and never use electric tools in wet or damp conditions such as wet grass or shrubs.



If working outdoors on hot days, remember to take frequent breaks and drink plenty of fluids to prevent the onset of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.



Use proper bending and lifting techniques. Remember to bend and lift with the knees, not the back.



If you are using a pesticide or a herbicide, follow the directions very closely. Pesticides and herbicides can cause a health threat if misused.



Tools for lawn care are not toys. Inform children of the hazards. If training an older child to operate these tools, supervise him or her closely.



Learn to identify poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. These plants can produce a severe allergic reaction.



Watch for bee hives, wasp nests and other stinging insects.



Beware of sharp blades and edges on mowers and hand tools. Wear gloves when handling sharp objects.



When bagging lawn cuttings beware of handling hidden sharp objects or residues of pesticides and herbicides.

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