Chicago Accident and Injury Lawyer Blog

With the warmer temperatures and sunnier days, many homeowners are starting to work on their gardens and spruce up their lawns. Unfortunately, with the annual rush to get yards in shape too often, there is also a rush... a rush to the emergency room to treat an injury. In 2007, there were 78,773 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms for the use of lawnmowers. Chainsaws accounted for 26,669 injuries. Even the handheld trimmers and small powered garden tools accounted for close to 20,000 emergency room visits. Therefore, homeowners need to be careful. The tools and equipments used to make lawn care maintenance easier can be hazardous when not used safely. These products all require special care.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission offers safety tips for the use of outdoor power tools and equipment. For example, here are some of the tips they recommend:

1. Never allow young children to operate or play on powered equipment;

2. Always turn off the machine before leaving it unattended;

3. Always turn off the machine when refueling;

4. Always turn off the machine when clearing debris from in or around the machine;

5. Use caution when refueling. Ensure the fuel is kept in an appropriate, child-resistant container.

6. When using a ride-on lawnmower, mow up and down slopes and not across the slopes. This will help prevent tip-overs.

7. Eye and hand protection are essential to safeguard against stones, sticks and other flying debris.