LAWNMOWER 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

•  Lawnmowers should 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 is available at these sites:

 American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement

 American Academy of Pediatrics Parent Handout 

 American Society for Surgery of the Hand Brochure

 American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Press Release

 American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Press Release:  MOWING THE LAWN IS NOT CHILDS PLAY

 Baystate Health Systems ( Summer 2005 press release)

 Baystate Health Systems (Summer 2001 press release)

 Consumer Product Safety Commission

 Shriner's Hospital  for Children Lawnmower Safety Reminder 2001

 Shriner's Hospital for Children 1998 Lawnmower Safety Bulletin

Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery  (JBJS):  

This recent article in 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

Several  local newspaper photos  from 2001 highlight the need for greater public awareness:

  	The Recorder, July 14, 2001

	Daily Hampshire Gazette, July 19, 2001

	Union News, July 27, 2001

THIS TELLING GRAPH IS FROM UNDERWRITERS LABORATORY

IT DOCUMENTS A RISE IN LAWNMOWER INJURY

source:  http://www.ul.com/media/spring05mediakit.html