Lawnmower Injuries of the Hand

These injuries can be devastating to the hand
...or any part of the body that is involved.

• 22% of injuries involve the hand, fingers or wrist. 25% of which result in amputation
• Lawnmowersshould be considered potentially lethal in the hands of children.
• Children under age 6 should be inside when the lawn is being mowed.
• Children under age 12 should not be allowed to go near a power lawnmower and should be at least 16 before using a riding mower.
• Safety training is essential always.

Remember, adults suffer the majority of these injuries!

More information:

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Lawnmower Safety Tips

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons POSITION STATEMENT

American Society for Surgery of the Hand Lawnmower Safety Tips

ASSH lawnmower safety tips POSTER

American Academy of Pediatrics Parent Handout

Consumer Product Safety Commission

Steer Children Clear of Lawnmowers

SAFEHAND.ORG

Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS):
The article in the JBJS entitled "Demographics of Traumatic Amputations in Children" by Randall T. Loder lists lawnmowers as the number one cause of traumatic amputations in children and 78% of those injured by lawnmower were five years of age or less.

This telling graph is from Underwriters Laboratory and it documents a rise in lawnmower injury.

Several local newspaper photos from 2001 highlight the need for greater public awareness:
Union News, July 27, 2001/ The Recorder, July 14, 2001/ Daily Hampshire Gazette, July 19, 2001