CHICAGO, May 31 (UPI) -- About 20,000 U.S. children and teens under age 19 were treated in doctors' offices, clinics and emergency rooms for lawnmower-related injuries in 2004.
To help prevent injures, the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons have teamed up to educate the public on the importance of lawnmower safety.
"The power lawn mower is one of the most dangerous tools around the home, but many children view it as a potential toy -- resulting in thousands of debilitating injures every year," said ASRM President Dr. L. Scott Levin. "Lawn mower injuries often include deep cuts, loss of fingers and toes, limb amputations, broken and dislocated bones, burns, and eye injuries. Most of these injuries can be prevented."
The groups advise:
-- Children should be at least age 12 before they operate any lawnmower and at least 16 years old for a ride-on mower.
-- Children should never be passengers on ride-on mowers.
-- Mowers should always wear sturdy shoes while mowing, not sandals or flip-flops. Eye and hearing protection should be worn as well.
-- Start and refuel mowers outdoors, not in a garage -- only when the motor is turned off and cool.
