Lawn Care Safety

With Summer’s arrival, lawn care will be performed more often whether it be at work or at home. In either case, this task can be completed safely is some guidelines are followed, while personal injury and property damage can be the result if such guidelines and suggestions are ignored. The following are some basic points to keep in mind while mowing grass, but do not cover all aspects of lawn care safety. As such, all operators are encouraged to learn and ask questions when operating any piece of equipment, and of course, as always, follow common sense.

1. Wear all necessary protective clothing and PPE, such as safety glasses, long sleeves, pants, and closed toe shoes to protect yourself.

2. Survey the work area

   1. Check for debris, gravel, rocks, ect.

   2. Check for wasps, snakes, and other animals

   3. Check for holes, uneven areas, or other hidden hazards

3. Inspect your equipment

   1. Check that you have enough fuel

   2. Ensure all mechanics are in order

4. Turn off equipment when:

   1. They are no longer in use

   2. They are about to be inspected

5. When using a push mower

   1. Never pull it while mowing, only push forward

   2. Direct discharge chute away from the direction of bystanders

6. When using a riding mower:

   1. Make sure the transmission is out of gear and the mower blade clutch is disengaged before starting the engine

   2. Disengage mower blade when on pavement, sidewalks or gravel lanes

7. When using a weed trimmer:

   1. Face the traffic when trimming near the road, and use a reflective vest

   2. Remain at least 25ft from parked vehicles in case debris is slung