Amid all the green lawns and manicured gardens of summer lies a grim statistic: Every year, while mowing the grass, cutting a branch, or power washing a deck, at least 100 people die and an estimated 143,000 are injured badly enough to require a trip to the emergency room.
The injuries people suffer run the gamut from overexertion and dehydration to cuts and amputations from using all kinds of power equipment. It’s also worth noting that in our research, we also came across a disturbing number of injuries associated with a common piece of equipment that doesn’t have a motor at all: ladders. Falls from ladders cause more injuries than all the power equipment in our research combined, resulting in broken backs, ankles, legs, and hips.
But using power equipment can cause far worse accidents. When working in the yard turns deadly, it can be due to carbon monoxide poisoning from a gas-powered engine running in an enclosed space, for example, or people getting trapped under large equipment, like a riding lawn mower.
And it’s not just the person doing the yard work who’s at risk. Bystanders also get hurt, such as children who have been killed or injured when playing near a mower or other outdoor power gear. As your insurance agent, we strongly urge you to read and follow the following safety prevention tips to keep you, friends, and family safe this summer.
Prevention Tips
∙ Keep children away from power equipment and do not let them in the yard while you are working.
∙ Wear safety goggles, closed-toe shoes, and long pants when using lawn mowers and other machinery.
∙ Protect your hearing when using machinery.
∙ Wear gloves to lower the risk for skin irritants, cuts, and certain contaminants.
∙ Use insect repellent containing DEET to protect yourself from mosquitoes and ticks.
∙ Wear long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, sun shades, and sunscreen to protect your skin.
∙ Follow all instructions and warnings associated with lawn equipment.
Power Equipment safety is a priority for every homeowner. You may not want to spend the extra few minutes checking the function of the equipment and inspecting the lawn. However, doing so can help prevent risks, including those related to injury to you or your family. More so, power equipment can also do damage to your home when operated improperly.
We proudly insure the residents of Pennsylvania, and are your local independent insurance agent. We can provide coverage from many insurance carriers so you receive the insurance for your budget and needs! You can reach us at (724) 772-8880 or online at https://www.ridgeagency.com/.
Sources: https://www.consumerreports.org/outdoor-safety/yard-work-safety-tips/ and https://www.lifespan.org/sites/default/files/lifespan-files/documents/centers/4-safety-program/Lawn-and-Garden-Safety-Navy-and-Marine-Corps-Public-Health-Center.pdf and https://www.firstindependentinsurance.com/blog/lawn-mower-safety-tips-how-to-reduce-home-insurance-claims-from-careless-accidents.aspx