Lawn care is a common household chore, but it comes with its own set of safety risks — particularly for children. As a parent, it’s important to understand the risks and take steps to ensure that your child stays safe, whether they’re operating the mower for chores or to earn extra money, or if they’re simply nearby.

Power lawn mowers are one of the most dangerous tools around the home. In fact, more than 10,000 children are treated in emergency departments annually for injuries caused by power mowers.

Injuries from lawn mowers can range from deep cuts and loss of fingers and toes to broken and dislocated bones, burns and eye injuries caused by flying debris. The good news is that most lawn mower-related injuries can be prevented with some simple precautions.

Before allowing your child to mow the lawn, it’s essential to consider their maturity, judgment, strength and coordination. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should be at least 12 years old to operate a walk-behind power mower and 16 years old to operate a ride-on or riding lawn mower.

If you decide your child is ready, spend time teaching them how to safely operate the mower. Always supervise their work until you feel confident that they can handle the task on their own. If you feel they are not yet ready, ensure your child stays indoors or at a safe distance away from the area you plan to mow.

Selecting the right lawn mower and ensuring it has proper safety features is another essential step. Opt for a mower with a control that stops the blade and forward motion when the handle is released. This feature can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

Additionally, always read the operator’s manual and follow the safety instructions for your specific mower. The manufacturer will provide key information to help you maintain and use the mower safely.

Lawn mowers come equipped with various safety features, such as protective guards and shields, but it’s still essential to make sure these are properly in place before each use. Additionally, when adjusting the mower, only adults should perform these tasks, and always remember to turn off the mower and disconnect the spark plug before working on it.

It’s also crucial that anyone using a lawn mower, regardless of age, wear hearing and eye protection, as well as sturdy shoes that cover their toes.

It's important to avoid common mistakes when mowing the lawn to keep everyone safe and make the job go smoothly. Here are a few common mistakes to be aware of before mowing.

Be mindful of your surroundings: One of the most common mistakes while mowing is failing to stay alert to the presence of children or other people nearby. Do not allow children near the area where you are mowing. Before mowing, ensure that the lawn is free from debris, such as twigs, stones and toys that could be thrown by the mower blades and can cause serious injuries or damage to the mower itself.

Inspect and maintain the mower: If the mower strikes an object, stop immediately and turn off the engine. Inspect the mower for damage and, if necessary, make repairs before continuing use. Always stop the mower engine, make sure the blades have completely stopped, and allow it to cool before refueling or performing maintenance. Refueling should be done in an open area, not inside a shed or garage where fumes could build up.

Outdoor conditions matter: Never mow during bad weather, such as thunderstorms or when it is dark outside. Wet grass can also be hazardous, as it may make the mower harder to control and could cause slipping.

Special caution on slopes: When using a walk-behind mower, mow across the face of the slope, not up and down. This technique reduces the risk of slipping and coming into contact with the mower blades. With a ride-on mower, mow up and down the slope, not across, to prevent tipping over. Additionally, avoid mowing in reverse unless absolutely necessary. When you do mow in reverse, take extra precautions by checking for children or obstacles behind you.

By following these simple safety guidelines, you can help prevent accidents and ensure that lawn mowing is a safe, productive activity for everyone in your household. The key is to educate your children about proper mower usage, enforce age-appropriate restrictions and always supervise them until you are confident in their ability to handle the task on their own. Taking these steps will reduce the risk of injury, allowing your child to take part in lawn care chores with confidence and safety.

Remember, safety doesn’t happen by accident — it takes planning, preparation and vigilance to ensure that lawn mowing remains a safe and enjoyable task for everyone in your family.

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Hailey Nelson, MD, FAAP, IBCLC, is a complex care pediatrician at Valley Children's Hospital in Madera, California. Dr. Nelson enjoys working with children of all ages and abilities and is especially passionate about providing the best possible care to medically fragile children and their families. She is also a licensed breastfeeding consultant, certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultants to support nursing mothers and their babies.

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