Health Watch - Spring Fling: Lawn Safety
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This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about springtime. The weather is getting warmer, flowers are blooming, trees are leafing out, and the grass is getting greener. It may also be getting longer, which means it’s time to get out the lawnmower.
Before you start the lawnmower, take some time to review safety procedures. That could help keep you or your family members from being among the 200,000 people treated in emergency rooms every year from accidents involving lawn and garden tools.
Dr. Maureen Finnegan, an orthopaedic surgeon at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says you can prevent most injuries by using common sense and focusing on the task. Start by clearing the lawn of rocks, sticks or other objects that could be thrown by mower blades. Wear sturdy shoes with non-slick soles when operating the mower. Flip-flops aren’t appropriate footwear for mowing. Stop the mower and wait for the blades to stop moving before clearing debris from blades.
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