Press Releases

Honda Power Equipment Urges Safety When Mowing

14 April, 2009 - For many Australians, mowing the lawn on a hazy summer's morning is a weekly ritual. The very thought of lawn mowing conjures up familiar and nostalgic smells and sounds.

But despite people's perception that mowing their backyards is a relatively safe activity, lawn mowers present one of the biggest hazards in Australian homes, according to Honda Power Equipment Manager, Ray Briffa.

"Many people are not aware of the dangers of lawn mowing. Most basic four-stroke lawn mower blades generate speeds of over 370 kilometres per hour – any foreign objects in the path of the mower, or incorrect usage of the mower, could lead to serious injuries," he said.

"Some of the most common injuries happen when victims slip under or are run over by a lawn mower, or get a body part caught under it, or when they are hit by objects like stones or sticks thrown up by the mower. 
"There's a misconception amongst the public that all lawn mowers on the market are safe and have been thoroughly tested. However, it is not compulsory for manufacturers to conduct safety testing on their mowers."
According to Mr Briffa, all Australian mowers should be required to meet safety standards, and the public should be informed about the risks that lawn mowing can pose.

According to the Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit (QISU), one fifth of domestic lawn mower injuries are sustained by children, and more than half of these children are under five years old.

"Despite these frightening statistics, children continue to be harmed by lawn mowers, either by being near someone who is mowing, or by being allowed to operate the mower themselves," said Mr Briffa.

In recent research published by Victorian Injury Surveillance System (VISS), an arm of Monash University's Accident Research Centre, lawn mowers were responsible for 22% of yard equipment injuries to adults, and 69% of these injuries were in the victims' own backyards. An alarming 23% of domestic lawn mower injuries required a review in the casualty department, and one quarter required admission to hospital.

According to Mr Briffa, many people fail to follow basic safety procedures when mowing their lawns.
"Many domestic lawn mower operators are still not wearing the appropriate safety equipment such as boots and goggles when lawn mowing. In fact, it's not uncommon to see people in suburban areas mowing their lawns in bare feet or sandals during summer," Mr Briffa said.

"Unlike the commercial sector, where there are occupational health and safety (OH&S) procedures in place, the duty of care is not as strictly enforced in the domestic realm."

But even with these strict OH&S rules and regulations in place, lawn mowers are still a hazard for the commercial horticultural industry.

According to the Australian Government's Safety and Compensation Council's (ASCC) statistics, lawn mowers were the second highest cause (after chainsaws) of OH&S related claims during 2006/2007. The average time taken off work due to lawn mower related injuries was 2.6 weeks – a significant burden on businesses and families. Compensation amounts were also high, with an average payout of $6,400 per claim.

To reduce the risk of lawn mower related injuries, Mr Briffa said consumers should only buy mowers that meet Australian safety standards.

"It is smart to shop around and only purchase a lawn mower from a manufacturer who clearly prioritises safety," Mr Briffa said.

"Then, before you begin operating your mower, or any other power equipment, consult the owner's manual and follow the safety tips very carefully. It is also important to adhere to the maintenance schedules."

Mr Briffa suggested three important areas of consideration when operating a lawn mower: preparation, clothing and safety equipment, and technique.

Preparation

• Ensure that the area to be mowed is clear of sticks, stones, wire and other debris before starting the engine.
• Check the mower blades, blade bolts and cutter assembly for damage and wear and tear.
• If using a catcher, ensure that the engine is off before attaching or reattaching the catcher.

 

Clothing and Safety Equipment

• Never cut grass barefoot or in open sandals. Ideally, wear heavy or steel-capped boots.
• Long pants should be worn to reduce the risk of lacerations from objects thrown up by the mower.
• Wear safety goggles and hearing protection, such as ear plugs. 

 

Mowing Technique

• Only mow in daylight.
• Start the engine carefully with your feet well away from the blades.
• Start the engine in an open space to avoid inhaling exhaust fumes.
• Walk behind the lawn mower; never run with it or walk backwards.
• Mow across slopes, never up or down, and exercise extreme caution when changing direction on the slope. Most lacerations occur when people lose control of the lawn mower on uneven terrain.
• Stop the mower when removing or attaching the grass catcher.
• Stop the mower engine whenever you are moving away from it.