Lawn care requires special attention … to safety

By: Edward L. Blais, JD, CIC

You take great pride in meticulously maintaining your property, but do you always do so safely?

Thousands of people have been injured by lawn mowers or weed trimmers. In 2008 alone, 247,000 Americans were treated for lawn-mower related injuries.

By taking just a few simple precautions you can ensure your safety and that of those around you.

At Blais Insurance, keeping you and your loved ones safe is our top priority, and we urge you to consider the following when operating lawn equipment:

• Prior to beginning yard work, be sure to check your property for debris such as sticks, rocks, or anything that might become a projectile 
• Wear form-fitting clothes – nothing loose that could get sucked into the unit 
• Always wear protective eye gear and heavy gloves 
• If debris becomes lodged NEVER ATTEMPT TO REMOVE WITH YOUR HANDS. Turn the unit off and be sure the blade has come to a complete stop. 
• Never allow passengers on a riding lawn mower 
• Never pull a push mower towards you 
• Be sure that children and pets are at a safe distance 
• Maintain firm footing, and wear proper shoes 
• Never lift a weed trimmer above your waist 
• Regularly service your lawn equipment to keep in proper working order 

It is important to note that the liability coverage of your Homeowners, Renters, or Condo policy will provide coverage against your negligence in the event of an accident, to the limit of liability you select.

We recommend that limit be high in today’s litigious society, and it does not cost as much as you think to purchase a higher liability limit. For more information, call Blais Insurance at 725.0070.