Yard work looks harmless — but the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that about 230,000 people every year are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries related to various lawn and garden tools. From walk-behind mowers and chainsaws to hedge trimmers and string trimmers, outdoor power equipment sends a staggering number of Americans to the ER every year — and most injuries are completely preventable.
The Deadliest Hazards
The most serious lawn and garden injuries involve power equipment that cuts or throws objects at high speed. Common fatal and severe injury scenarios include:
- Riding mowers — approximately 75 people are killed and about 20,000 are injured on or near riding lawnmowers and garden tractors every year. One out of every five deaths involves a child. Most child deaths occur when a child is in the path of a moving mower.
- Chainsaws — kickback, where the chain snags and the saw lurches back toward the operator, is one of the most serious chainsaw hazards and can cause fatal injuries to the chest and head. Several major chainsaw models have been recalled in recent years for chain brake failures that prevent the saw from stopping properly.
- Walk-behind mowers — throwing objects such as rocks, wire, and debris at high velocity, blade contact from reaching under a running mower, and tip-overs on slopes.
- String trimmers and hedge trimmers — lacerations from blade contact and flying debris.
Safety Tips for Outdoor Power Equipment
- Always read the owner’s manual thoroughly before operating any outdoor power equipment.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment — safety goggles, hearing protection, heavy gloves, long pants, and sturdy footwear — every time you operate power equipment.
- Before making any adjustments or clearing jams near moving parts, turn the equipment off completely. For gasoline-powered tools, disconnect the spark plug wire before reaching near the blade or cutting mechanism.
- Clear the work area of rocks, wire, toys, and other debris before mowing or trimming — these objects can be thrown at high speed and cause serious injuries to bystanders.
- Keep children and bystanders well away from the area whenever any outdoor power equipment is in use. Children are attracted to mowing activity and do not understand the danger.
- Never carry passengers on riding mowers.
- Never leave running power equipment unattended. If you must leave the machine, turn it off completely and remove the key.
- Handle gasoline carefully. Never fill gas tanks while machinery is operating or when equipment is still hot. Never fuel equipment indoors. Store gasoline in an approved container outside the home and away from ignition sources.
- Be sure that extension cords used with electric outdoor tools are rated for outdoor use and are the proper gauge for the tool’s current capacity.
Check for Recalled Equipment
CPSC has issued recent recalls against multiple chainsaw brands for chain brake failures and fire hazards, including Greenworks, Kobalt, Snapper, Worx, and DR Power Equipment battery-powered chainsaws. Check SaferProducts.gov to verify that any chainsaw or outdoor power equipment you own has not been recalled.
To report a dangerous lawn or garden product or a product-related injury, visit SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772.
Source: https://cpsc.gov/content/cpsc-alerts-consumers-to-lawn-and-garden-care-dangers
