Note to Parents: Mowing the yard is often one of the first responsibilities given to adolescents. Whether using a push mower or a riding mower the chore can teach important skills that can be transferred to larger and more powerful equipment on the farm. Before assigning this task to your child consider his/her physical and mental abilities to operate the mower safely.

These guidelines will help provide a safe environment for novice lawn mower operators.

• Provide and encourage the use of proper protective equipment and clothing such as long pants, sturdy closed-toed shoes with traction, and eye and ear protection.
• Train youth in safe operation when using the lawn mower.
• Teach danger recognition skills such as the smell of a hot engine, the feel of a tipping mower, and the change in sound of an overworked engine.
• Teach safe servicing of the lawn mower.
• Serve as a role model for safe lawn mowing behavior.
• Find safe alternative activities for children too young to operate the lawn mower.
• Never allow riders on the lawn mower.
• Remove keys from mowers when not in use.