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Old Man Winter is loosening his grip on Indiana, and it is time to think about yard maintenance. With warmer weather approaching, it’s a good time to refresh your memory on the safety measures to follow when using your lawn equipment. The University of Iowa Health Care site provides some excellent lawn mower safety tips you should consider before getting on your riding mower or pulling the cord on your push mower. 

• Read and follow the safety instructions provided in the owner’s manuals 

• Keep an eye out for children and pets while mowing 

• Always use eye and ear protection when operating lawn equipment 

• Fill your gas tank only when the engine is cold. 

• Drive your riding mower up and down slopes or hills. Driving across may result in a mower rollover. 

• Wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes and long pants while mowing.  

• Pick up sticks, stones, toys and trash before you begin mowing. If you fail to do so, these objects might become projectiles that can injure people or cause property damage. 

• Keep your lawn mower in good working order. Ideally, your mower should be serviced each mowing season. 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides essential chainsaw safety tips in an easy-to-read document. You don’t have to be on a jobsite to follow OSHA safety standards!  

• Read the manual and check controls, bolts, and chain tension before starting your chainsaw. 

• Start the chainsaw on the ground or on another firm surface.  

• Start the chainsaw at least 10 feet away from the fueling source to reduce the risk of fire. 

• Clear away dirt, debris and rocks before cutting. Also be sure to look for nails or spikes in the tree before you begin. 

• Do not wear loose fitting clothing.  

• Wear proper protective equipment for your hands, feet, legs, eyes, face, ears and head. 

• Keep your hands on the saw’s handles at all times and maintain good balance. 

• Watch for branches under tension. They may spring unexpectedly when cut. 

Following these tips will help you avoid risks associated with these tools and allow you to stay on top of lawncare duties all spring.