Take a quick drive around Atlanta (if that is possible) and you will notice
how many yards exist in our community. During the summer, with the fast
growth of the grass in these yards, frequent mowing and care of the grass
is required. You will see many people out mowing their yard. However,
lawn mowers can cause serious injury, especially to children. Each year
over 9000 children (defined as under 18 years of age) require emergency
care due to a lawn mower injury. Even more concerning is that approximately
2200 injuries are to children under 5 years.
To reduce the risk of injury to children, the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended:
- Children under 6 years should be kept inside when mowing
- Children should not be allowed to play on or around a mower being used or being stored
- Children should not be allowed to ride as a passenger on a mower
- Children should not be towed behind a mower (in carts or trailers for example)
Furthermore, a child should not be allowed to operate a mower until he/she has developed the appropriate levels of
- Judgment
- Strength
- Coordination
- Maturity
Although it is difficult to give a required age, a starting guideline for the minimum age for lawn mower operation is
- For walk behind power mowers: 12 years
- For ride
on mowers: 16 years