Each year, some 25,000 Americans sustain injuries from power mowers, according to reports issued by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission. The blades whirl at 3,000 revolutions per minute and produce three times the kinetic energy of a .357 handgun. Yet, each year we continue to see patients who have been hurt while operating a lawnmower barefoot.
All Valley Podiatric Group Physicians advises anyone who operates a power mower to take a few simple precautions:
- Don't mow a wet lawn. Losing control from slipping on rain-soaked grass is the leading cause of foot injuries caused by power mowers.
- Wear heavy shoes or work boots when mowing - no sneakers or sandals.
- Don't allow small children to ride on the lap of an adult on a lawn tractor. Children can be severely injured by the blades when getting on or off the machine.
- Mow across slopes, never go up or down.
- Never pull a running mower backwards.
- Keep children away from the lawn when mowing.
- Keep the clip bag attached when operating a power mower to prevent projectile injuries.
- Use a mower with a release mechanism on the handle that automatically shuts it off when the hands let go.
Lawn care season is back in Fresno, CA and All Valley Podiatric Group foot and ankle surgeons, Anoosh Moadab, DPM, FACFAS and Kathryne Rupley, DPM, FACFAS cautions homeowners to protect their feet and the feet of those around them when using rotary-blade lawnmowers.