Although it sounds a little obvious, lawnmower safety is more important than you think. Thousands of injuries occur each year from the use (or misuse) of a lawnmower. So to help save you from any possible injuries, we’ve got some safety tips and precautions to keep in mind:

1. Read the manual. It may sound cliché to recommend reading your manual, but it is very beneficial to read it before you operate your lawnmower. Doing so will give you the knowledge you need to use the machine properly in the future. As they say, knowledge is key!
2. Check the yard before you mow. Before you mow you should always take a quick walk around the yard to look for things such as rocks, sticks, and any other debris. Mowing over these objects can shoot sharp, dangerous debris at you or anyone in the vicinity.
3. Wear the proper attire. No, mowing the lawn is not a fashion show, but there are some things you should wear to offer some protection. Wearing closed toe shoes like boots or sturdy tennis shoes, goggles, gloves, and longer pants will help keep you safely covered. You could also wear a pair of earplugs to protect your ears from the noise emitted by the engine.
4. Watch out for others, especially kids. It is best to mow the lawn when no one else is around. If that is not possible you should take extra precaution when mowing around others. While it may be tempting to let your child help, children under the age of 12 should not operate this machinery, whether supervised or not.
5. Keep your hands out of the machine. Over time, debris can get stuck in the lawnmower or the grass can cause a buildup that causes your lawnmower to run less efficiently. Regardless, you should never use your hands to remove anything from the lawnmower even if it is completely shut off because the blades can still cut you even if they are not moving. If there is something blocking or causing your lawnmower to not work properly try to use a stick or some other tool to dislodge it instead.

You want to enjoy your freshly mowed lawn once you’re finished. Just remember to keep these things in mind next time you plan to mow and you’ll be a’okay!