If you’re doing construction renovations, you’re probably doing it to make the building look more attractive. But in order to do so, you also need to take care of the landscape – starting with the lawn.

String trimmers and mowers make yard work faster and easier, but if they aren’t used properly, they can also cause lots of (avoidable) injuries. They’re impressive machines and help a lot, sure, but there’s something you should always consider – safety first.  

And when we say “safety” we don’t mean just goggles and shoes. It’s about bets and about everyday, small, overlooked risks that often stay quiet, until they turn into accidents.

Here are six common risks and how to prevent them before your upcoming trim, blow or mow. 

Hidden (Yard) Hazards

Yard usually contain items such as rocks, sticks, dog toys and/or other types of debris. Lawn tools and these ‘surprise’ objects don’t go well together. Objects in contact with the lawnmower can become airborne missiles when struck by the rotating blades. This can cause serious injury to you or someone nearby. Another thing is that it can also damage the machine. Always exercise extra caution to avoid accidents. 

Prevention Tip: Take a minute or two to walk  through the area you plan to mow/trim. Your yard may look clean at first glance, but check the grass, especially high-grass and under the bushes. Just a short walk of less than five minutes can save you, or anyone nearby, can save you from injuries that can be very dangerous. 

Dull Blades

When the grass appears uneven or shredded, it could be due to dull mower blades. Not only does the lawn not look nicely mowed, but it can also cause some serious consequences. Navigating with dull blades takes more physical force, especially on uneven terrain. Using dull blades when moving requires more effort to get the job done. That extra effort can make it harder to keep control. Dull blades can throw more stuff such as little rocks or grass into the air. 

Prevention Tip: Sharpen your mower blades around every twenty-four hours before use, or at least one per season. If you have pro-level equipment, make sure you definitely then sharp the blades even more often. 

Wrong Shoes

This one is pretty basic, but it gets ignored. Many don’t wear the right shoes when they do yard work. In the summer, it might feel easier to mow in flip-flops or worn-out sneakers. No matter how easy it’s for you and your feet, that can fast track to injury. Blades don’t stop fastly. It’s common that you probably mow on slippery and uneven ground. Just one misstep can cause you to trip, slip or come too near to the moving blade.

Prevention Tip: Please make sure you wear closed-toe shoes with a powerful grip to keep feet steady. If you have riding mowers or heavy-duty equipment, steel-toe boots can save your toes from something rolls over them.

Fuel Leaks

You might notice a small fuel leak that doesn’t seem that urgent, but it’s still a sign that there’s something wrong. Gasoline fumes are very flammable. Loose fuel caps or even improperly sealed batteries, can cause fire, corrosion, or equipment failure. 

Prevention Tip: A quick check before usage can help you prevent potential fires or other hazards. Check the trimmer, mower, if there are any leaks, fuel smell, or if there are visible drips. Tighten the caps, and keep the fuel in the containers made for it, far from direct sunlight. Make sure it’s well stored. If the mower is old, difficult/hard to handle, or it malfunctions, maybe consider checking out newer and safer mowers for sale to get a good one for the best price possible.

Children and Pets in Mowing Area

Many people let kids play in the yard while mowing. Some people even give them around on riding mowers. It literally only takes a second for a kid to wander behind you or for a mower to slide. Pets are also under threat. Pets chase the mower, or get startled by the noise. It’s impossible to be focused on all aspects while operating equipment, and incidents can happen so fast. 

Prevention Tip: Keep children and pets away from the yard while the equipment is running. That way is safer for them and for you as well. You can stay focused on what you’re doing without having to worry about where the kids or pets are.

Battery Charging

Battery-powered (cordless) lawnmowers and trimmers are easy to maintain and silent (well, more silent, anyway). Care should be taken on how to charge lithium-ion batteries. Improper storage, overcharging can lead to battery failure or overheating. 

Prevention Tip: It’d be best to use chargers recommended by the manufacturer when charging the batteries. Charge the batteries in a cool/dry place; not directly in the sun. Unplug them from the outlet after each filling. Do not leave them near flammable materials since a freak chemical reaction could cause them to heat up and cause a fire.

Conclusion 

Lawn equipment safety all comes down to small steps that prevent big problems. Checking your equipment, wearing the right gear can always make your mow experience always positive with no injuries. 

These small habits keep you and your loved ones (tools as well) protected.