LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - Helping mow the lawn is something many children do over the summer. Some of them even do it for neighbors to earn a little spending money.
About 253,000 people were treated for lawnmower-related injuries in 2010, and nearly 17,000 of them were children under age 19.
On this Medical Monday, Joe Schaffner from Arkansas Children's Hospital has eight safety tips that parents and kids should always follow to avoid a trip to the hospital.
1. Children should be at least 12 years old before they operate any lawn mower, and at least 16 years old for a riding mower.
2. Children should never be passengers on riding mowers.
3. Always wear sturdy shoes while mowing - not sandals or flip flops.
4. Young children should be at a safe distance from the area you are mowing.
5. Pick up stones, toys and debris from the lawn to prevent injuries from flying objects.
6. Use a mower with a control that stops it from moving forward if the handle is released.
7. Never pull backward or mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary - carefully look for others behind you when you do.
8. Always wear eye and hearing protection.