Lawn mower injuries among children have been reported yearly. Lawn mowers are easy to use which is why children and teenagers are often use the machine. Even though it seems as a tedious task, both the push and riding mowers are strong enough to cause significant or even deadly injuries. Being exposed to the moving blades or the engine can cause various injuries including broken bones, burns and even amputated limbs.
Risk for injury
Most cases of lawn mower injuries among children occur on the hands or the arms. The riding mowers can cause more injuries than the push type since they are capable of tipping and even rolling over, thus putting a child at risk for being run over and severely injured.
Types of lawn mower injuries
Cuts
The sharp blades of a lawn mower can damage the skin or penetrate deep into the ligaments, muscles, tendons and bones. Cuts can occur on any part of the body but usually occur on the feet and hands which can easily through the blade protectors.
Burns
The gas tank, hot engine or exhaust from a petroleum-powered mower can cause burns. The burns can occur in any part of the body that can damage the skin or even the ligaments, muscles, tendons and bones.
Broken bones
The rotating, sharp blades of lawn mowers can result to broken bones. Open fractures are common in lawn mower injuries. Aside from fractures, the open type can result to serious damage to the adjacent muscles, ligaments, tendons as well as increase the risk for infection and other complications.
Amputation
Aside from causing tears and cuts, the sharp blades of the lawn mower can sever part of a leg, arm, foot or hand. Some cases of burns, fractures and cuts that are severe might require amputation to reduce the risk for infection and other complications.
Quick Note / Disclaimer
The material posted on this page on lawn mower injuries is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn to recognize and manage lawn mower injuries, register for a first aid and CPR course with Toronto First Aid.