Hospitals and emergency rooms nationwide treat nearly 250,000 people each year who tangle with their lawn mowers and come out the loser. Nearly 20,000 of those injured are children under age 19, and the injuries are on the rise since last year.
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lawn care companies and found hiring a lawn service isn’t as expensive as you might think. When you factor in the time, energy and potential medical costs you could expend, it’s generally a better deal all around. A professional cut for your lawn costs about $40 on average across the country, but can be as low as $25. Lawn care service costs typically depend on the size of the yard and how heavily landscaped they are.
Most DIY lawn injuries are easily preventable. So if you’re doing it yourself, be smart before you fire it up.
Angie’s List 6 ways to mow without getting hurt:
- Tune-up: Regular service for your mower will catch any equipment failures and keep your blade honed to the proper level. Do this before the mowing season begins to get the best deal and service.
- Mow smart: While it might sound like Mr. Obvious, too many accidents happen because people try to fix the mower while the engine is running. Turn it off before you try to fix it.
- Hands off: Use a broom handle or leaf blower to remove debris caught in the mower; don’t just grab it with your hands.
- Pick-up: Taking the time to pick up small toys, branches, rocks and wood chips before you mow could save a painful injury to you or anyone who might be in the area as you mow.
- Not a tanning opportunity: Sure you can catch some rays while you mow, but dressing scantily is asking for trouble: Cover up, wear covered shoes. Safety glasses and gloves are a good idea, too.
- Not a spectator sport: Because mowers can fling out objects at high velocity, anyone in the area of the mower could be in danger. So keep children and pets out of the yard until you’re done mowing.
Injury statistics are based on a 2008 Consumer Product Safety Commission report.