Each year, approximately 75,000 people are injured seriously enough by lawnmowers to require emergency room medical treatment. Only a small percentage of the injuries are caused by mechanical failure; most result from human error.

Here are Some Tips to Follow Before and While Mowing Your Lawn

Become familiar with your mower.

Read the owner’s manual before using the mower for the first time. Note all safety and operating instructions. Learn the controls to act instantly in an emergency and stop the machine quickly.

Proper clothing is essential to protect your body from harm.

Always wear non-slip shoes instead of tennis shoes or sandals. Steel-toe safety footwear offers the most protection against the blade. Long pants help protect your legs from objects thrown from under the mower. Use earplugs to prevent hearing loss caused by exposure to high noise levels.

Never leave a mower running unattended.

A mower left running unattended can be fascinating to a child. The key should never be left in the ignition if the mower has an electric start.

Always start the mower outdoors.

Never operate a mower in a closed garage, storage shed, or basement where carbon monoxide can collect.

Police the area.

Before you start mowing, be sure the lawn is free of tree limbs, rocks, wires, and other debris, which can get caught up in the blades.

The primary source of danger is the blade.

The mower blade must be sharp and travel at a high speed to perform its task efficiently. If a hand or foot gets under the mower while the engine is running, it can cause serious injury. Never attempt to unclog or work on a lawnmower while the engine is on.

Disconnect the sparkplug wire.

Disconnect the spark plug wire whenever you need to reach under the mower to prevent the engine from starting. It takes a little extra time, but not as long as it does to recover from a serious injury.

Check for frayed or cut wiring.

When using an electric lawnmower, the blade can easily cut wires. Keep an eye on the wiring as you move the mower, and check for frayed or cut wiring every time you mow.

Source:  Insurance Information Institute

Read Other Blog Posts

Women talking

Understanding the Insurance Knowledge Gap Among Gen Z

Surveys reveals that many Gen Z adults feel overwhelmed by insurance and lack understanding of basic coverage terms, leading to gaps in their protection. However, by working with trusted insurance professionals, they can gain clarity and make informed decisions about essential coverage for their future.
Murphy’s Law Now Officially Sponsored by Murphy Insurance

Murphy’s Law: Now Officially Sponsored by Murphy Insurance

Murphy Insurance is now the official sponsor of Murphy’s Law—because if anything can go wrong, it probably already has. To mark the occasion, we’re rolling out a tongue-in-cheek lineup of “coverage” for life’s most ridiculous moments, from lost socks to seagull snack theft. While these faux policies are just for fun (for now), our real team is always here with real coverage for life’s unpredictable turns. Happy April Fools Day from Murphy Insurance—when Murphy’s Law strikes, call Murphy Insurance.
Auto Insurance in Hudson MA

Auto Insurance in Hudson, MA: What You Need to Know

If you live in Hudson, MA, or the surrounding areas, securing the right auto insurance is essential. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend traveler, or a first-time driver, having the appropriate coverage ensures protection on the road and compliance with Massachusetts’ legal requirements.
Car close-up

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run

When you’re involved in a vehicle collision and the other driver takes off without exchanging insurance information, this is commonly referred to as a hit-and-run. Review the following guidance to understand what information to collect and who to contact following a hit-and-run incident.
Pest Prevention Keep Your Home Pest-Free with Proactive Measures

Pest Prevention | Keep Your Home Pest-Free with Proactive Measures

Pests can cause structural damage, contaminate food, and pose health risks, making proactive prevention essential since home insurance doesn’t cover pest-related damage. Key prevention tips include proper food storage, maintaining outdoor vegetation, regular home inspections, and keeping living spaces clean to minimize pest attraction. For persistent issues, professional pest control may be necessary, and Murphy Insurance is available to provide guidance on home protection and insurance coverage.
Stairs

How to Prevent Falls at Home

Falls are one of the most common and dangerous accidents that occur at home and on the job—especially on staircases. In order to determine whether there are fall hazards within your home, be sure to ask yourself these key questions.
Outdoor Maintenance: Protecting Your Home and Enhancing Your Curb Appeal

Outdoor Maintenance | Protecting Your Home and Enhancing Your Curb Appeal

Regular outdoor maintenance not only enhances your home's curb appeal but also prevents costly damage and potential insurance issues. Key tasks include cleaning gutters, inspecting the roof, maintaining landscaping, power washing exteriors, and ensuring outdoor structures like fences and decks are in good condition. Staying proactive with seasonal upkeep helps protect your home, reduce long-term repair costs, and maintain insurance coverage eligibility.
Hot Tub Safety 101 | Protect Your Home, Guests, and Peace of Mind

Hot Tub Safety 101 | Protect Your Home, Guests, and Peace of Mind

Hot tubs offer relaxation but come with safety and liability risks, including potential injuries, health concerns, and insurance coverage gaps. Key precautions include supervising children, maintaining proper water chemistry, setting safe temperature limits, and enforcing responsible usage to prevent accidents. Homeowners should review their insurance policies and consider additional coverage, such as a personal umbrella policy, to ensure financial protection while enjoying their hot tub safely.
Car keys

Avoiding Problems When Buying Used Vehicles

While buying a used vehicle will save you money in purchase price and help you avoid depreciation costs, it is important to do your research before you purchase one. To avoid buying a car with hidden problems, consider these purchase precautions.

Visit Our Homeowners Insurance Page

Homeowners Insurance

At Murphy Insurance, we take great care in assessing your options for homeowners insurance to ensure that you receive the most favorable value. Our dedication to serving you entails collaborating with highly-rated insurance providers and conducting comprehensive assessments of available choices. Our goal is to achieve the ideal equilibrium between affordability and coverage that suits your unique needs. Please let us provide you with a customized homeowners insurance quote.