Riding Lawnmower Safety Practices

The majority of mowing accidents are the result of contact with a rotating mower blade, propelled objects, riding mower overturns, running over an individual, or burns. 

To keep everyone safe, children younger than 14 years of age should not operate riding lawnmowers. Also, keep this simple rule in mind: One seat. One rider. No exceptions!

Image by Hasheb Anzar @ Dreamstime.com

Protect everyone from flying debris or being run over by doing the following:

• Make sure the area is clear of people, especially children.
• Clear the area of any sticks, rocks, toys, or other debris.
• Know the lay of the land! Check for ditches, holes, and other landscape obstacles.
• Make sure the discharge chute is in place – its purpose is to stop or slow objects coming out of the mower.

Protect eyes, hearing, and feet

• Wear safety glasses or goggles.
• Use hearing protection devices.
• Wear sturdy close-toed shoes rather than athletic shoes or sandals.
• Long pants and gloves are recommended.
• In the summer, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sun protection of at least SPF 15.

Beware of blades

• An adult should make adjustments to the mowing height before mowing.
• Make sure the blades have completely stopped before removing the grass catcher.

 Go at the right speed and in the right direction

• Slower is safer!
• Mow only in forward.
• When mowing, always check behind you for children and others before backing up.
• If using a riding mower on a slope, make sure you understand the special considerations and safe practices located in the operator’s manual and online. As a general rule, if you are operating a mower on a slope greater than 15 degrees of slope, you should drive up and down the slope. You can operate the mower side to side if the slope is less than 15 degrees. 
• If your mower has a rollover protection system (ROPS), make sure the ROPS is in place.

If you are doing anything but mowing, do the following:

• Disengage the blades and/or stop the engine.
• If you leave for any reason, turn off the mower.
• Try to use a mower that disengages the blade or shuts off the engine if the operator releases their grip on the handle.

Stay aware of the mower's discharge area

• If anyone enters the area, stop the mower!
• Keep the discharge chute cover in place and do not prop it open while mowing.
• Do not point the mower discharge chute towards people, structures, roads, or vehicles.

To reduce the risk of a burn, wait at least two minutes for the engine to cool if you need to refuel.

Supervising Youth

If you are not sure if your youth is ready to operate a riding lawn mower and what protective equipment they should wear, we recommend consulting the Youth Work Guidelines from the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety  [insert link – could also include a screenshot of the guidelines as an illustration]

Sources:

Lawn mowing campaign. (n.d.) National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety – Child Ag Safety Network. 

Riding lawnmower safety. (2025). Ag Safety and Health Community Community of Practice. 

Ready, Set, …Mow! (2023) The Ohio State University. College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H 544.