Let's Face It, It's The People That Really - Events.org

Jeff Nathan, Builders Consortium
When I was a kid, every time I mentioned how cold or hot it was,
someone, some old timer, would say “Why I remember the
summer/winter of (insert your date here), and this is nothing.”
I realize that, now, I’m an old timer. And I can safely say that this
past winter was simply lousy. But, summer is just about here. So
I thought I would give you all a quiz. What’s the most
dangerous power tool around your house in the
summer? If you thought your lawnmower, you’re right. Each
year, approximately 68,000 persons are treated in emergency
departments for injuries caused by power mowers. More than 9,000 of the
people hurt are younger than 18 years. Older children and adolescents were
most often hurt while cutting lawns as chores or as a way to earn money.
Now, I happen to think that paying my kid or your neighbor’s kid to do
the lawn is a good idea and exemplifies all the ideals of capitalism. But here
are a few safety tips to follow…regardless of who is doing the cutting.
• Use a mower with a control that stops the mower from moving forward
if the handle is let go. The common term is “dead man’s switch,” which
is actually a good thing; it prevents injury.
• Children younger than 16 should not be allowed to use ride-on mowers.
Children younger than 12 should not use walk-behind power mowers.
• Wear sturdy, closed shoes (not sandals or sneakers) while mowing.
• Prevent injuries from flying objects, such as stones or toys, by picking up
objects from the lawn before mowing begins. Use a collection bag for
grass clippings or a plate that covers the opening where cut grass is
released. Everyone who uses a mower must wear hearing and eye
protection.
• Make sure that children and pets are indoors or at a safe distance well
away from the area that you plan to mow.
• Start and refuel mowers outdoors, not in a garage or shed. Mowers
should be refueled only when the motor is turned off and cooled down.
(Need I mention, no smoking!)
• Make sure that blade settings (to set the wheel height or dislodge debris)
are done by an adult, only with the mower off and the spark plug
removed or disconnected. (You can find the spark plug by eye or, here’s
a thought, read the manual!)
• Do not pull the mower backward or mow in reverse unless absolutely
necessary, and carefully look for children behind you.
• Always turn off the mower and wait for the blades to stop completely
before removing the grass catcher, unclogging the discharge chute or
crossing gravel paths, roads or other areas not being cut.
• Do not allow children to ride as passengers on ride-on mowers.
Please follow these tips, and have a safe summer.
Do you have a story about people in the building trades or
design professions? Then you’ve hit the nail on the head!
Email frontdesk@ehighlandpark.com or call 847-432-0284.
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Summer 2007 / 37