Accidents can happen without warning, particularly if a child is allowed to operate a piece of outdoor power equipment such as a lawn mower.
Never allow children less than 14 years of age to operate outdoor power equipment. Children 14 years of age and over should read, understand and be able to follow the instructions and safe operation practices found in the operator’s manual of any piece of equipment. These young operators must be trained and supervised by an adult.
Children should not be allowed in the yard or near the equipment when it is in use. Keep children indoors and under the watchful supervision of an adult.
Remember, kids and mowers – or any piece of outdoor power equipment – don’t mix.
Never Give Rides
A child could fall off the mower and into the path of the rotating blades. In addition, giving rides will cause children to be attracted to the mower. If a child later approaches without the operator being aware of the child’s presence, tragic accidents may occur.
Use Extreme Caution in Reverse
Think first, then reverse — just like a driver does in a car. Operators should keep alert for anyone who may enter the mowing area and always look down and behind before — and while — backing the mower.
Keep Kids Safe
Operators should stop mowing if a child approaches the mowing area. Never let a child play on — or around — a mower. Remove and keep any keys in a safe place, out of the reach of children and keep the key fob provided on the mower keyring as a reminder of child safety.