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FRIDAY, June 8 (HealthDay News) — Lawn mowers remain one of the most
dangerous household appliances, sending an estimated 80,000 Americans to
hospitals for treatment each year.

Many of those injuries could be prevented by following some simple
safety rules, said Dr. Tobias Barker, an news in medicine physician at Brigham
and Women's Hospital in Boston.

He offered the following advice:

• Before you start your mower, clear your yard of rocks, sticks, toys
  and other debris that the lawn mower blade may hit and eject as dangerous
  projectiles.
• Don't use a riding mower on steep slopes, where there's a risk of
  rollover. Instead, use a push mower at reduced speed.
• Wear long pants and avoid medicine news
  clothing. Sturdy shoes with
  good soles will help prevent foot injury and provide traction.
• Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes and wear earplugs to help
  prevent hearing loss.
• Don't pull the mower backward or mow in reverse. If you must mow
  backwards, always check for objects and people behind you.
• Don't leave the mower running while you remove the grass catcher or
  unclog the discharge chute. Before you do any internal medicine news
  on a mower,
  disconnect the starter or spark plug.
• Refuel your mower only when the engine is cool in order to avoid the
  risk of igniting the gas.
• Don't mow in adverse conditions. A wet lawn reduces traction and
  increases the risk of an accident. Mowing in hot weather puts you at risk
  for dehydration and heat stroke.
• If you have a history of chronic chest or back pain, it may be better
  to get someone else to mow the lawn.
• Children under age 16 should not use a riding mower and children under
  12 should not use a push mower. Adults should always medicine hat news classifieds
  young,
  inexperienced mower users.

More information

The U.S.

Consumer Product Safety Commission has more about lawn
mowers.