Operator`s manual

4 - Mowing and Trimming Safety
Lesson 1
Objectives
1. Name the most common types of
serious accidents involving mowers
and trimmers.
2. Interpret the meaning of common
warning signs and labels.
3. Identify appropriate protective
equipment.
Take Control
of Your Own Safety
Greatest Dangers
Failure to observe safety precautions when operating mowing equip-
ment can result in serious injury or death. e most common types
of serious accidents are:
1. Rollovers
Agricultural mowers and riding lawn mowers can overturn, caus-
ing injury and death.
2. Being Caught in Moving Parts
Serious injury or death can result from being caught in mowing
equipment’s moving parts.
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, punctur-
ing his lungs and killing him.
Never make sharp turns at high speeds,
especially on a hill.
Accident Report
Operator Crushed by Riding Mower
Summary of OSHA Accident Inspection 119815108
An employee was operating a riding mower in a parking lot. The
mower slipped o the curb. Without shutting o the engine, the
employee and a coworker tried to lift the mower. One of the em-
ployees put his hand under the front of the mower and lost three
ngers at the rst knuckle.
Never put hands or feet under a running mower. Always
shut o the mower and disconnect the spark plug before
servicing or reaching under the mower deck.
Accident Report
Employee Loses Finger While Lifting Mower