Position Statement

Power Lawn Mower Safety

This Position Statement was developed as an educational tool based on the opinion of the authors. It is not a product of a systematic review. Readers are encouraged to consider the information presented and reach their own conclusions.

Each year, thousands of small children, adolescents, adults and elderly people are injured by power lawn mowers, hand mowers and riding power mowers. In 1996, more than 72,000 injuries were treated in hospital emergency rooms, according to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance Systems of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The estimated medical, legal, insurance and disability costs and other expenses of these injuries is $56 million.

Most of the injuries - 45,222 - were sustained by adults 25 to 64 years old. Children under the age of five had 2,327 injuries and people age 65 and older had 12,307 injuries.

• More than 22 percent of lawn mower injuries involved the wrist, hand or finger. Nearly 14 percent were foot, ankle or toe injuries. Lawn mower injuries often result in partial or complete amputation of both lower and upper extremities.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons believes that the great majority of these injuries are preventable. The Academy recommends the following safety guidelines when using lawn mower equipment.

• Never use fingers to remove grass or debris from lawn mower blades.
• Children should not be permitted to use lawn mower equipment.
• Children should not be in the yard while the lawn is being mowed.
• No riders other than the operator, regardless of age, should be allowed on a riding mower.
• Be sure the motor has been turned off before inspecting or repairing power lawn mower equipment
• Wear proper protective boots, clothing and eyeglasses when using a lawn mower.
• Do not tamper with safety release switches.

© March 1998 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

This material may not be modified without the express written permission of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons^®.

Position Statement 1142

For additional information, contact Public Education and Media Relations Department at 847-384-4031.