Spring is a wonderful time filled with breaks, birds and blooms. Unfortunately, many accidents happen in the spring as people begin to focus on their yards and gardens. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that more than 78 thousand people went to the emergency rooms in 2007 with lawn mower related injuries.

Injuries can range from minor to extremely serious. Read the following safety tips from the American Society of Surgery of the Hand.

• Read your mower’s instruction manual prior to use.
• Do not remove safety devices or guards on switches.
• Never insert hands or feet into the mower to remove grass or debris. Even with the motor turned off, the blade remains engaged.
• Always use a stick or broom handle to remove any obstruction.
• Never cut grass when it is wet or when the ground is damp.
• Never allow a child to operate the mower at any time or be in the area to be mowed.
• Never allow passengers, other than the operator, on the riding mowers.
• Keep your mower in good working order with sharp blades.
• Do not consume alcohol before or while using your lawn mower.
• Wear protective boots, goggles, gloves and long pants.
• Do not operate the lawn mower while barefoot.
• Be cautious when mowing hills or slopes.

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