Common Hazards of Mowing Your Lawn

When you’re mowing your lawn, it’s important to be aware of the hazards that can come with it. Some of the most common lawn maintenance hazards include:

• Flying debris: When you’re mowing your lawn, debris can fly up into the air. This can include things like rocks, sticks, and even small animals. To avoid getting hit by flying debris, it’s important to always wear protective eyewear and to keep a lookout for potential hazards.
• Noise: Mowers can be very loud, and prolonged exposure to loud noise can damage your hearing. To protect your ears, it’s important to wear earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones while mowing your lawn.
• Carbon monoxide: Many mowers run on gasoline, which can release carbon monoxide into the air. This is a dangerous gas that can cause headaches, nausea, and even death if inhaled in large quantities. To avoid inhaling carbon monoxide, it’s important to make sure your mower is well-ventilated and to avoid mowing your lawn in enclosed spaces.
• Sun exposure: When you’re mowing your lawn, you’re likely to be outside for a prolonged period of time. This can lead to sun exposure, which can cause skin damage and increase your risk of skin cancer. To protect your skin, it’s important to wear sunscreen and protective clothing while mowing your lawn.

Best Practices for Staying Safe While Mowing Your Lawn

To stay safe while mowing your lawn, it’s important to take the following steps:

• Wear protective gear: Always wear protective eyewear and earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones while mowing your lawn. This will help protect your eyes and ears from flying debris and loud noise.
• Check your mower before you start: Before you start mowing your lawn, make sure your mower is in good working condition. Check the oil, gas, and air filters to make sure they’re clean and functioning properly.
• Mow in well-ventilated areas: Make sure you’re mowing your lawn in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling carbon monoxide. Avoid mowing your lawn in enclosed spaces like garages or sheds.
• Take breaks: Mowing your lawn can be physically taxing, so it’s important to take breaks as needed. Take a break every hour or so to rest and hydrate.
• Wear sunscreen and protective clothing: To protect your skin from sun exposure, make sure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing while mowing your lawn. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and long-sleeved shirt to provide additional protection for your face and arms.