Contents
Introduction
What's Inside?
Lesson 1 Take Control of Your Own Safety
Lesson 2 Prepare for Safe Operation
Lesson 3 Preventing Rollover Accidents
Lesson 4 Avoid Being Caught in Moving Parts
Lesson 5 Other Common Dangers
Lesson 6 Environmental Hazards
Conclusion
Quiz Yourself Solutions
This booklet teaches important safety practices to follow when mowing. You may use a wide range of equipment including:
Safety tips, along with real accident reports, have been combined to give you a better understanding of the risks associated with this type of work.
Use this booklet in conjunction with hands-on safety training and the equipment operator's manual.
Lesson 1 Take Control of Your Own Safety
Objectives
Greatest Dangers
Failure to observe safety precautions when operating mowing equipment can result in serious injury or death. The most common types of serious accidents are:
Accident Report Operator Crushed by Riding Mower |
Summary of OSHA Accident Inspection 107975153 A worker was operating a riding mower on a hill. He was mowing too fast and made a sharp turn, causing the mower to tip over. The mower landed on top of him, crushing his rib cage, puncturing his lungs and killing him.
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Accident Report Employee Loses Finger While Lifting Mower |
Summary of OSHA Accident Inspection 119815108 An employee was operating a riding mower in a parking lot. The mower slipped off the curb. Without shutting off the engine, the employee and a coworker tried to lift the mower. One of the employees put his hand under the front of the mower and lost three fingers at the first knuckle.
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Help Yourself
Safe work habits are important. Here are three actions you can take to be safe on the job site.
Safety Messages and Signs
Manufacturers put important safety messages on mowing equipment and in the operator's manual. It is critical to read, understand and follow all safety messages.
The triangle shape is the symbol for caution. The exclamation mark in the center means Pay Attention. In some instances, the triangle-shaped sign will show a picture. Other times, words explain why the sign is used.
Many safety messages use the words Caution, Warning and Danger to get your attention. Following are safety messages and their meanings. Each of these signs will have a written message, and perhaps a picture, about an unsafe condition.
CAUTION means you need to be careful. Follow the directions on the sign or you could get hurt.
WARNING is more serious and means you need to follow the directions on the sign or you could be badly hurt or killed.
DANGER is the most serious safety message. If you don't follow the directions, you will be seriously injured or killed.
Images displayed in the caution, warning and danger boxes have been recreated from images taken with permission from ASAE S441.4 FEB04, Safety Signs.
Protective Equipment
Certain equipment is necessary to protect your body from materials ejected from the mowing equipment and from being caught in moving parts. When operating mowing equipment you should wear the following.
Close-Fitting Clothes and No Jewelry
Loose shirt sleeves, pant legs or jewelry can catch in the equipment's moving parts or on electrical lines, resulting in injury; therefore, close-fitting clothes should be worn. Pull back long hair.
Long pants and sturdy, non-slip boots.
Wear long pants, and sturdy, non-slip boots to protect your legs and feet from objects that are thrown from the mower. Never wear sandals, which expose your feet, or tennis shoes, which can easily be severed if caught under the mower deck or in the trimmer's cutting swath.
Safety glasses and a face shield.
Safety glasses should be worn at all times unless operating equipment with an enclosed cab. A face shield should be used, in addition to safety glasses, when operating a string/brush trimmer and other times when your face could be hit by debris
Accident Report Employee's Eye Cut by Flying Debris |
Summary of OSHA Accident Inspection 119806867 An employee was mowing grass with a tractor, but was not wearing safety glasses. He looked back and a piece of metal was thrown from the mower and punctured his right eye. He lost all vision in that eye.
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Hearing protection
Over time, you will lose your hearing if you are exposed to loud noises without protection.
Two common types of hearing protection are muffs and plugs. Ear muffs should seal around your ears to properly muffle loud noises. Wash reusable ear plugs with warm, soapy water after each use in order to prevent infection. Discard disposable ear plugs after each use.
When to Wear Hearing Protection
OSHA Standard 1910.95 (i) (l) requires hearing protection to be worn when sound levels exceed certain limits (generally, a daily average of 85 or 90 decibels, depending on the circumstances). These levels can be measured with a sound level meter. A hearing conservation program requiring hearing tests and other precautions may also be necessary. Check with the equipment operator's manual, as well as your supervisor, for suggestions on hearing protection for each piece of equipment and instructions on how to wear it properly.
Hearing Protection Rules of Thumb
Hearing protection may be needed if:
Quiz Yourself
Circle the correct answer.
For answers, click here.
Select the correct answer for the following sentences from the list below.
a. Danger
b. Safety glasses
c. Alcohol
d. Caution
Lesson 2 Prepare for Safe Operation
Objectives
Pre-Start Inspection
Safety starts before the engine. A thorough inspection of the mower or trimmer is important before beginning work each day. Use the checklist on the next page as a guide for daily, visual inspections. Alert your supervisor if you find anything wrong during your daily pre-start inspection.
Belts
Check for loose or damaged belts. Loose belts can slip, causing friction and a possibly a fire. Belts can also break and be flung from the mower. Tighten loose belts and replace belts if any ply separation or cracks are visible.
Blade
Make sure the blade is secure, balanced and covered to prevent injury. Report bent, cracked or worn blades to your supervisor. Protect your hands with heavy-duty gloves when inspecting blades.
Fluid Leaks
Fluid leaks can be a fire hazard as well as cause break-downs. Report signs of leaking fluid to your supervisor immediately.
Accumulated Grass or Grease
Check the mower deck and chute for accumulations of grass clippings, leaves, grease and other debris. Debris build-up on moving parts is a fire hazard and can cause break-downs.
Missing or Damaged Guards
Guards and shields protect you from moving parts. Check the operator's manual for the location of guards and safety shields on the equipment you are using.
When Operating an Agricultural Mower
Ensure there is a shield covering the power take-off (PTO) to
keep you from being entangled in the rotating shaft. Also, if your
equipment has any belts or pulleys, make sure the guards are in
place and secured.
When Operating a Riding Mower
Ensure that the discharge chute's guard is in place to deflect debris and cover the mower's blade. Also, if your equipment has any belts or pulleys, make sure the guards are in place and secured. Also, check that the operator presence control is working properly. The control shuts the mower off automatically when weight is lifted off of the seat.
When Operating a Walk Behind Mower
Ensure the operator presence control is working properly. The engine should shut off automatically when the handle is released. There should be a rear guard installed to protect your feet, as well as a discharge chute on the side of the mower that deflects debris and covers the mower's blade.
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Operator Presence Control | |
Tires
Check tire pressure and look for signs of damage. Make sure lug
bolts are tight to keep the wheel from slipping off.
Attachments (if applicable)
Make sure attachments are mounted and fastened correctly.
String/Brush Trimmer
Ensure the shield covering the string/blade is in place and secured.
YES |
NO
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Pre-Start Checklist | |
Belts | |
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Secured? |
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Not cracked or separated? |
Blade | |
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Secure and balanced? |
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Sharpened? |
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Free of excessive wear? |
Fluid Leaks | |
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No sign of fluid leaks? |
Accumulated Grass or Grease | |
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Mower, deck and chute free of debris? |
Guards | |
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All guards in place? |
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No sign of damaged guards? |
Tires | |
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Proper inflation? |
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No visible damage? |
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Lug bolts tight? |
Attachments (if applicable) | |
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Mounted and secured properly? |
String/Brush Trimmer | |
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String/blade attached properly? |
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String/blade shield in place and secured? |
Prepare Mowing Area
Prepare the mowing area before beginning to ensure a safe working environment for yourself and others.
Remove Debris
Walk the area to be mowed. Pick up debris such as rocks, sticks, bottles, cans, wires, etc. Debris picked up by a mower or trimmer can be thrown from the machine at speeds as high as 200 mph or cause the equipment to jam or malfunction.
Be Aware of Surroundings
While scanning the area for debris, locate other potential hazards such as ditches, drop-offs or embankments.
Be aware at all times of the location of coworkers. Keep all others out of the area while you are mowing or trimming.
Make sure that the chute of the mower is pointed away from people, animals, buildings and traffic.
Accident Report Operator Struck in Eye by Rock |
Summary of OSHA Accident Inspection 119964930 An employee was operating a string trimmer near a coworker. The trimmer caught a rock and threw it at the coworker, striking him in the eye. The coworker was hospitalized for two days.
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YES |
NO
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YES |
NO
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Safe Start Up and Shut Down
Start Up Safety Procedures
Safe Shut Down Procedures
Accident Report Employee Crushed When Run over by Tractor |
Summary of OSHA Accident Inspection 123560880 An employee, jump-starting his tractor mower with another battery, connected the cables. The tractor was in gear, started and ran over the employee, crushing him to death.
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Safe Fueling Procedures
Gasoline and other fuels are flammable. Follow safe fueling procedures to help reduce the risk of fuel ignition.
Accident Report Employee Burned When Gas Ignites |
Summary of OSHA Accident Inspection 002841710 The operator of a riding mower attempted to refuel the mower he had been using. As he was filling the gas tank, some gasoline ignited as it spilled onto the hot motor. The employee suffered first degree burns to his face and forearms.
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To Properly Fill Fuel Containers:
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that can poison and kill. Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, nausea, weakness, dizziness, and the loss of consciousness. To avoid CO poisoning, operate all equipment outdoors. If you must work indoors, make sure there is adequate ventilation to prevent exposure to CO.
Accident Report Employee Dies of CO Poisoning |
Summary of OSHA Accident Inspection 123812240 An employee was working on a lawn tractor with the engine running inside a garage. He was overcome by carbon monoxide and died.
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Quiz Yourself
Choose the correct answer.
For answers, click here.
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OR | ![]() |
Lesson 3 Preventing Rollover Accidents
Objectives
Avoiding Rollovers
When a mower becomes unstable or out of balance, it can roll over. A human's reaction time is too slow to stop a rollover once it starts. Look over the area before you mow, noting all land elevation changes. Once you have assessed the area to be mowed, observe the following precautions to avoid rollover accidents.
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, embankments or steep slopes.
The wheels on your mower and attachments can drop off or slide over the edge, causing the mower to roll over. Use a string trimmer to cut grass in these locations.
Do not operate tractors and mowers on steep hills. Refer to the operator's manual for the maximum slope allowed for your equipment.
Accident Report Employee Crushed When Tractor Overturned |
Summary of OSHA Accident Inspection 103039624 An employee started up a steep hill to mow around a storage building. The tractor overturned and rolled over the employee, crushing him to death.
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Avoid sudden moves.
Abrupt starts, stops and sharp turns can make the equipment roll over.
Slow down when turning and make wide, gradual turns, especially when mowing on slopes.
Turning quickly and sharply can cause the mower to overturn. When mowing on slopes, don't turn unless you have to. If turning is required, turn slowly and downhill.
Riding Lawn Mowers/Agricultural Tractors
Mow up and down slopes, not across. Your mower can become unbalanced and overturn on slopes, if you do not drive in the correct direction. Mowing up and down slopes can help prevent a side rollover.
Keep the heavy end uphill to avoid a rollover. Refer to your operator's manual to determine which end is heavier.
YES |
NO |
Walk Behind Mowers
Mow across slopes, not up and down, to keep you from sliding underneath the mower.
YES |
NO |
Quiz Yourself
Choose the correct answer.
For answers, click here.
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OR | ![]() |
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OR | ![]() |
Lesson 4 Avoid Being Caught in Moving Parts
Objectives
Don't Get Caught in Moving Parts
Observe these precautions to prevent being caught in the equipment's moving parts.
YES | NO |
Accident Report Operator's Eye Cut by Flying Glass |
Summary of OSHA Accident Inspection 104395389 An employee was operating a walk behind mower in a ditch. The blade's rear guard was bent up at the bottom, leaving a 2-inch section exposed. The employee was backing the mower out of the ditch when he was struck in the right eye with a piece of glass.
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Accident Report Operator's Finger Amputated in Blade While Clearing Grass Clippings |
Summary of OSHA Accident Inspection 119960714 An employee tried to clear grass clippings from the discharge chute of a riding lawn mower. He reached in with his right hand while the mower was running and the blades engaged. The employee lost two of his fingers.
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Accident Report Employee's Fingers Amputated While Clearing Debris from Beside Mower |
Summary of OSHA Accident Inspection 112004809 An employee was mowing grass when he reached down to pick up a piece of telephone wire from the ground beside the lawn mower. The blade caught the wire and pulled his left hand under the machine, amputating his index finger and the tip of his middle finger.
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YES |
NO |
Accident Report Employee's Killed After Dismounting Running Tractor |
Summary of OSHA Accident Inspection 109574764 An employee was dismounting a tractor mower with the motor still running. He hit the shifter and the tractor went into forward gear. He was run over by the mower and killed.
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YES |
NO |
Accident Report Operator Cut by Mower Blade |
Summary of OSHA Accident Inspection 125582973 An employee was operating a riding mower without the blade guard in place. He dismounted the mower in order to move a picnic table in his path. The employee slipped on the wet grass and slid into the exposed rotating blade. He sustained a fractured right ankle, partial amputation of his left foot along with severe and extensive cuts.
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Accident Report Employee’s Toes Severed While Turning Mower |
Summary of OSHA Accident Inspection 119869220 An employee, operating a walk behind mower, encountered a wall. He lifted the front wheels in the air in order to turn. After turning, he put the front wheels back down, on top of his right foot. His five toes were severed when they entered the rotating blade area.
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Quiz Yourself
Choose the correct answer.
For answers, click here.
Objectives
Runovers
You can be injured or killed if you are run over by mowing equipment. Protect yourself by following these steps to avoid runovers.
Hitching and Unhitching Attachments
Use the following steps to avoid serious injury or death when hitching and unhitching attachments to an agricultural tractor.
Obstacles
You can be seriously injured or killed if you run into obstacles while mowing. Follow these precautions to avoid obstacles.
Accident Report Operator Crushed When Wedged Between Tractor and Tree Trunk |
Summary of OSHA Accident Inspection 106490485 An employee was backing a tractor mower between some trees. Unable to stop in time, the tractor became wedged under a partially fallen tree trunk. The employee was crushed against the tractor's steering wheel and killed.
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Accident Report Operator Killed When Run Over by Brush Hog |
Summary of OSHA Accident Inspection 112399985 An employee was operating a tractor with an attached brush hog at a speed of 6-8 mph. When he tried to pass between two trees, the right rear tire of the tractor struck one of the trees. The impact threw the employee off the tractor. He was run over by the brush hog and killed.
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Accident Report Operator Severs Fingers When Mower Slides on Wet Grass |
Summary of OSHA Accident Inspection 112046834 An employee was operating a riding mower on grass that was wet from rain the previous day. He was mowing near a tree on a slight incline, with his right hand resting on the gas tank. As he got closer to the tree, the mower slid and hit the tree in the same spot where he was touching the gas tank. Three of his fingers were severed. One was unable to be reattached.
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Thrown Objects
Objects thrown from mowing equipment can cause severe injury. Follow these steps to protect yourself and others.
When Hauling on Trailer
Check the operator's manual for instructions before hauling the mowing equipment on a trailer. Be sure to observe these precautions:
YES |
NO |
Accident Report Employee Injured When Mower Overturned on Tailgate |
Summary of OSHA Accident Inspection 125956334 An employee was driving a riding mower up a ramp to store it in a trailer. The hinge on the tailgate broke and the mower overturned. The employee was hospitalized with back injuries.
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Traffic
Mowers are not made for street or highway travel. To be safe, load mowers and other equipment onto a trailer and pull them to the job site. When the mower must be moved short distances on a public roadway, keep the following safety tips in mind.
Electrical Safety
Follow these precautions to keep you from being electrocuted while working with electric tools.
Using Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
A GFCI is an electrical outlet that protects you from being electrocuted if an electrical tool or appliance malfunctions. The GFCI has a sensor and a microchip that can tell if electricity is going to the wrong place, such as through your body. When the GFCI senses a problem, it shuts off the electricity in about one-fortieth of a second, which is fast enough to save your life.
If a GFCI outlet is not available, a portable GFCI extension cord can be used.
Quiz Yourself
Choose the correct answer.
For answers, click here.
Lesson 6 Environmental Hazards
Objectives
Treating Cuts and Burns
Minor cuts and burns can be treated on-site with minimal complications. If you or a coworker sustains major cuts or burns, get professional medical help immediately.
Treating Minor Cuts
Treating Minor Burns
First Aid Kit Contents
The following is a list of minimum requirements for workplace first aid kits as outlined by ANSI Standard Z308.1-2003*.
*ANSI Z308.1-2003 is published by the International Safety Equipment Association, Arlington, VA www.safetyequipment.org. Used with permission.
Heat Stress
You can become seriously ill or die if you do not take the proper precautions while working in high temperatures and humidity. Heat can reduce physical performance, as well as mental alertness, causing more accidents.
Heat illness starts at heat exhaustion, and if not treated properly, leads to heat stroke. Take action immediately if you notice anyone with the symptoms found in the charts below.
Avoid Heat Related Illnesses
It is important to keep yourself hydrated and cool while working outside.
Heat Exhaustion Symptoms
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Heat Stroke Symptoms
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What to Do If Someone's Suffering from a Heat Illness
Heat Facts
Accident Report Dehydrated Employee Dies After Working in Heat |
Summary of OSHA Accident Inspection 115237216 An employee was cutting lawns with a gas-powered mower in temperatures from 75° to 85° F. He had been working all day and told his employer that he felt tired. The employee was instructed to go rest in the company truck. When a coworker went to check on him, the employee was having convulsions. He was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance where his temperature was measured at 111° F. At the hospital, the employee had a seizure and died. The cause of death was reported as dehydration and heat stress.
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Sun Exposure
Prolonged exposure to sunlight causes skin cancer, cataracts and other serious illnesses.
Cold Induced Injuries and Illnesses
Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can result in cold induced injuries and illnesses that can seriously injure or kill you.
Cold temperatures reduce mental alertness and cause fatigue and exhaustion that can lead to accidents.
Frostbite
Frostbite occurs when parts of the body become so cold that the skin and tissue freezes. Frostbite normally occurs on ears, nose, fingers, hands, toes and feet or other parts of the body that are left uncovered in below-freezing temperatures. Frostbitten skin becomes numb and turns a pale white color.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when a person's body temperature drops to or below 95° F. Common symptoms include bluish-colored skin, uncontrollable shivering and drowsiness or fatigue.
Avoid Cold-Induced Injuries and Illnesses
What to Do If Someone's Suffering from a Cold-Induced Injury or Illness
Insect Stings
Insect stings can be treated without medical attention unless the person suffers an allergic reaction.
The first step to treating an insect sting is to remove the stinger. This can be done by using a straight edge to scrape off the stinger or by using tweezers to pull it out. If you choose to use tweezers to remove the stinger, use extreme caution to not puncture the protruding venom sac.
After the stinger has been removed, a cold pack can be used during the first 24 hours to suppress pain and swelling. Following the first 24 hours, heat should be applied if pain or swelling persist.
Those with severe allergies to insect stings should consult a physician about carrying a prescription medical kit. The kit contains medicine and instructions to be used if the person is stung. If the kit is used, the victim still must receive medical attention. Call for help or take them to the nearest hospital.
Snake Bites
If you are bitten by a snake, seek medical attention immediately and try to describe the size and color of the snake to the doctor. This can help the doctor determine whether or not the snake was poisonous. Never cut, suck or apply cold packs to snake bites.
Never cut, suck or apply cold packs to snake bites.
Mammals
Be aware of animals such as squirrels or bats that may be in trees or bushes and startle you during work. Also, be cautious of animals such as rats, skunks and raccoons that could be rabid.
Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac
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Poison Ivy Leaves are usually found in clusters of three. |
Lightning Precautions
Lightning strikes injure and kill hundreds of people each year. Follow these precautions to help keep you safe when the weather turns bad.
If You Can't Take Cover Inside
Keep Away From
If Someone is Struck by Lightning
Accident Report New Employee Killed When Struck by Lightning |
Summary of OSHA Accident Inspection 101558112 A new employee continued mowing when a light rain started. Lightning struck a nearby tree and killed the employee just two hours after he had started his new job.
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Lightning Facts | |
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A person that is struck by lightning DOES NOT retain an electric charge that can shock you. |
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Lightning can spread as far as 60 feet after striking the ground. |
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Lightning can travel at speeds of 100,000 mph. |
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The temperature of a bolt of lightning can be as high as 50,000° F. |
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Lightning CAN strike the same place twice. |
Quiz Yourself
Choose the correct answer.
For answers, click here.
Select the correct answer for the following sentences from the list below.
Developing safe work habits before, during and after machinery operation, helps you avoid accidents on the job.
You have been presented with checklists, safety tips and exercises designed to help you avoid the most commonly reported causes of mower and trimmer operation injuries and deaths, as well as other important safety precautions to consider. Use this information to keep your work experience safe.
Quiz Yourself
Choose the correct answer.
For answers, click here.
Circle the correct answer.
Select the correct answer for the following sentences from the list below.
a. Danger
b. Safety glasses
c. Alcohol
d. Caution
Choose the correct answer.
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OR | ![]() |
Choose the correct answer.
Up and Down ![]() |
OR | Across![]() |
Up and Down ![]() |
OR | Across![]() |
Choose the correct answer.
Choose the correct answer.
Choose the correct answer.
Select the correct answer for the following sentences from the list below.
Choose the correct answer.
Publication #: MF2714
This material was produced under grant number 46G3-HT04 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. government.
This booklet was produced by K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas.
The information in this publication has been compiled from a variety of sources believed to be reliable and to represent the best current opinion on the subject. However, neither K-State Research and Extension nor its authors guarantee accuracy or completeness of any information contained in this publication, and neither K-State Research and Extension or its authors shall be responsible for any errors, omissions, or damages arising out of the use of this information. Additional safety measures may be required under particular circumstances.
Brand names appearing in this publication are for product identification purposes only. No endorsement is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar products not mentioned.
Disclaimer and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not represent NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears by permission of the author and/or copyright holder. More