Penn State Extension: The key to lawn mower safety is you

Even though we are well into the lawn mowing season it is worthwhile to review the hazards associated lawn mowers and their safe operation. Each year thousands of injuries are caused by power lawn mowers. Many of these accidents involve children under the age of five years old, and usually result in grotesque injury and/or the loss of fingers, toes, limbs, or eyes.

The whirling metal piece below the mower deck is an inexpensive and effective method of shearing a variety of vegetation. However, approximately 70 percent of all lawn mower accidents are caused by blade contact. A person can come in contact with the blade by slipping under the mower deck, or reaching into the discharge chute. Lawn mower blades typically

turn at 3,000 to 3,600 revolutions per minute, or 50 to 60 revolutions per second. Since the blade has two cutting edges, an object in line with the blade for only one second can be struck as many as 120 times. The intensity of the damage from a blade rotating under these conditions is roughly equivalent to a 1.2 pound missile traveling at 232 miles per hour. Bones coming in contact with the mower blade are typically crushed and the wound filled with dirt and grass, making it difficult for a surgeon to repair.

Another major cause of lawn mower accidents are objects thrown from the mower. Stones, sticks, and other debris can be launched from the discharge chute with enough force to puncture the skin, or eyes, and cause serious injury.

Over the past few decades, manufacturers have – by choice or mandate – made design changes, such as improved guarding and “dead-man brakes,” to reduce the danger of lawn mowers. Dead-man brakes are designed to stop blade rotation in three seconds or less if the operator lets go of the push handle, or gets off the seat of a riding mower. However, some operators see these devices as a nuisance and by-pass them using wire or tape. Guards and deflectors are in place to reduce the chance of burns from hot surfaces and direct foreign objects, such as sticks and stones, thrown from the discharge chute to the ground. Guards and deflectors should never be removed to allow better maneuverability. These safety devices can greatly reduce the hazards associated with power mowers and must be left in place and operable to be effective. A temporary inconvenience can prevent permanent injury.

Many hazards can be reduced by the operator. The most effective way to avoid injury is to recognize the hazards present, and learn how to operate the machine properly. The owner’s manual and your local dealer are good sources of information for operation and maintenance.

Before starting to mow the lawn, the operator should:

Bicycle Rodeo Teaching Child Safety Sunday

A Bicycle Rodeo event that is teaching children how to become safer bicyclists and avoid accidents is taking place at Holtsville Ecology Site on Buckley Road on Sunday form 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

According to a release from Highway Superintendent Dan Losquadro, instructors will discuss and demonstrate elements of bicycle safety at a “Safety Town” set up at the Ecology Site. A free bicycle inspection and free helmets on a first-come, first-served basis are also being provided.

The release said the program is funded by Governor Anthony Cuomo’s Traffic Safety Committee to fund road safety programs for children.

Participants must bring their own bike to the event. For further information contact 631-451-6480.

9 Safety Tips for Driving in the Rain

The risk of being involved in an auto accident increases significantly in rainy weather that is commonly seen in the spring months, according to a Bensalem insurance agency.

More than six million collisions occur annualy in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 10 percent of those accidents “are due to rainfall, primarily from reduced visibility and slick roads,” according to Andrea Pigott of the Michael Pigott Agency.

“[W]e shouldn’t overlook the dangers rain brings during the typically wet month of April,” she said in a recent patch blog.

Pigott suggests nine tips to help reduce the risk of an accident while driving in rainy weather, such as avoiding using cruise control, turning on the headlights and what to do if you start to hydroplane.

Read all of the suggestions on the “April Showers Bring…a Lot of Accidents” blog.

Outdoor fun on the boat, water demands knowing regulations

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Spending the day out on the lake may be the ideal way to spend the summer months, but avid boaters must remember safety is a priority.

A plan of action is needed before taking a boat out onto the water, said Travis Engle, recreation programmer, Outdoor Recreation Center, Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

Make sure, whether its a rental or personal, that all boats have all safety requirements, Engle said.

Participants need to be aware of all safety precautions and know how to operate safety devices on the boat as well, Wolf said.

One example is all lights on the boats need to be functioning properly, Engle said.

Youd be surprised how many lights there are on boats, especially if youre out there at dusk or even night time, Engle said.

During major holidays, a lot of people are out on the lake, and if lights are not working, it can cause accidents, Engle added.

Participants also need to be aware of the water depth of lakes to avoid damages to the boat and potential accidents as well.

The water depth is really low right now, so people should know where they can put boats in safely, Engle said.

Boaters can call the Marina or the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism for questions about water depth.

Personal Flotation Devices are required for persons 12 years of age and younger while aboard or being towed by a boat. Specific requirements for PFDs can be found in the 2013 Kansas Boating Regulations Summary.

Drinking and driving are prohibited out on the lake as well, Wolf said, adding people need to drive defensively.

Boaters need to remember to conserve the battery if planning to be on the lake all day, Engle said.

Having every electronic running continuously is not necessary, and it can kill the battery, he said.

Thats when (Wolf) gets a call and the boat is literally dead out in the water, Engle said.

Also watch for changing weather, Wolf said.

Weather conditions can change at the drop of a hat, Wolf said. If you (see) lightning and (hear) thunder get off the lake until it passes.

Boating is no different than driving on a highway, Wolf said. Things can happen fast so always be prepared.

Any person between the ages of 12 and 20 who wishes to operate a personal water craft, power boat or sailboat without direct supervision must complete an approved boater education course, according to the KDWPT website. Additionally, the class is required for anyone wishing to rent or operate a motorized boat at the Fort Riley Marina.

Participants can get a card after taking a boating safety class. Classes are available online at www.boaterexam.com or www.boat-ed.com.

A two-day class, one day in the classroom and one in the water, is available through the Outdoor Recreation Center. The cost for the class is $5. Participants must pre-register at the center. The next upcoming classes are April 25 and 27 and May 16 and 18.

For more information about the boating safety class, call the Outdoor Recreation Center at 785-239-2363.

By Calun Reece
1ST INF. DIV. POST

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Spending the day out on the lake may be the ideal way to spend the summer months, but avid boaters must remember safety is a priority.   

A plan of action is needed before taking a boat out onto the water, said Travis Engle, recreation programmer, Outdoor Recreation Center, Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

“Make sure, whether it’s a rental or personal, that all boats have all safety requirements, Engle said.   

Participants need to be aware of all safety precautions and know how to operate safety devices on the boat as well, Wolf said.

One example is all lights on the boats need to be functioning properly, Engle said.

“You’d be surprised how many lights there are on boats, especially if you’re out there at dusk or even night time,” Engle said.

During major holidays, a lot of people are out on the lake, and if lights are not working, it can cause accidents, Engle added.

Participants also need to be aware of the water depth of lakes to avoid damages to the boat and potential accidents as well.

The water depth is really low right now, so people should know where they can put boats in safely, Engle said.

Boaters can call the Marina or the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism for questions about water depth.

Personal Flotation Devices  are required for persons 12 years of age and younger while aboard or being towed by a boat. Specific requirements for PFD’s can be found in the 2013 Kansas Boating Regulations Summary.

Safety regulations for construction – WBTW

After the tragic death of two children who were on a constructions site, on April 8, many people asked what are the safety regulations that are in place to prevent something like this from happening again.

All over the Grand Strand construction workers reporter to different work sites each day. While they are hammering away at work, behind the scene many, regulations are in place to make sure that every nail goes in safely.

“There are specific guidelines and regulations to follow so that you can keep the site as safe as possible”, said Edward Friend, President of the Homebuilders Association in Horry County and Georgetown.

City Service Director, Bruce Boulineau makes sure that those guidelines and regulations are followed in an attempt to try and prevent any tragedies from happening like the one in North Carolina.

“The international building code addresses excavations on site, during constructions and it does regulate what you have to have when exceeding a depth of five feet”, said Boulineau.

The rules for excavating are clearly defined to any person who works professionally in construction.

“You have to have a minimum of two foot clearance back from the foundation area and if the site goes above five feet, you have to step back again”, said Friend. “By doing it this way it’s providing enough space for workers to be in the trench safely”, Friend added.

However, these regulations are not put in place just for the workers.

“These guidelines are in place for everyone’s safety”, Friend said.

Even though there are guidelines in place to help prevent any accidents from happening the best place to be, if you are not trained to be on a constructions site, is far away as possible.

Carthage man injured in crash

HPD promotes child safety with inspection

MGN Online

Child safety

Child safety

Posted: Friday, February 22, 2013 11:05 pm

HPD promotes child safety with inspection

Valley Morning Star

Valley Morning Star

HARLINGEN — The Harlingen Police Department invites parents to a car seat inspection station to promote child safety.

Police will help parents ensure that they have the right car seat, that it is properly installed in the vehicle, and that the child is properly secured.

Children should use a car seat from birth to 8 years of age, police say.

Parents are cautioned about purchasing used car seats, as the devices are intended to be used just once, and disposed of if they are involved in any accidents.

“It is overwhelming to figure out if you have the right car seat for your child, and that it is properly installed in the car,” Officer Salvador Carmona said.

Technicians will inspect car seats to make sure they have not been recalled by the manufacturer and that it is the proper seat for the child.

“It’s free; there are no tickets, no citations,” Carmona said. “There are no violations out there. We are going to make sure the child is safe and if we have to we will replace a car seat.”

The inspection station will be held from 3-6 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Kohl’s department store parking lot, 2715 W. Expressway 83.

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Friday, February 22, 2013 11:05 pm.

Snowmobile Safety Tips

NICOLLET, Minn. -

Snowmobilers warm up after racing in the radar run. Toping out at a speed of 15 miles an hour 3 year–old Taylor Wilking completes her first race. Taylor Wilking says, “It was fun. You can drive fast.”

Father Jason Wilking says “I was very nervous for her first time, she’s young but she did real well and I was happy with it.”

Jason Wilking says when riding responsibly snowmobiling is a fun and safe sport. Wilking says, “Just teach them and tell them what everything is about. And they’ll be all right.”

John Bendix knows from experience the dangers of driving too fast. Bendix says, “I was going too fast. Bounced off the sled fell off the sled.”

Speed is a contributing factor for nearly all snowmobiling fatalities, according to the state. General manager of Snell Power Sports Kyle Brende says it’s harder to keep track of your surroundings at high speeds, especially at night. Brende says, “Most accidents are always at night. Most people driving over their capabilities.”

That coupled with alcohol and or riding alone all too often make for a deadly combination. Bendix says, “These sleds are pretty powerful these days so you really have to watch how you’re driving in them.”

Bendix says with sleds being able to go from zero to a 100 miles per hour in a short period of time, riders can underestimate how much control they have. Bendix says, “The sleds don’t stop as quick as they accelerate.”

He says the only time to really rev your engine is at radar runs like today. Bendix says, “It’s safe it’s legal and it’s a lot of fun.”

New joint initiative on container safety

The three organisations have united in the past to address safety issues arising over quay crane operations but this is the first time they have come together over container yard equipment.

Using claim analysis data provided by the TT Club, the figures reveal that 53% of the total cost of over 4000 claims over a six year period operational related claims (worth US$10k) were caused by yard equipment.

Also, 75% of the cost of injury claims in terminal facilities resulted from yard equipment accidents and 67% of costs related to fires were attributed to yard equipment.

The TT Club points out that these findings point to a “heavy concentration of unavoidable issues”. For example, fork lift trucks were involved in 30% of the bodily claims analysed – mainly by trucks reversing into people. TT Club points out that the installation of anti-collision devices could reduce this figure greatly. Likewise, so could the installation of reliable safety devices on all yard equipment.

Captain Richard WA Brough OBE, technical adviser, ICHCA International Ltd, said to Port Strategy: “Many accidents, often fatal, are occurring around the world and it is imperative that purchasers of equipment understand the safety features that are available from manufacturers and this document recommends the minimum that should be considered when making those purchasing decisions or indeed that should be taken into account when looking at existing equipment.”

The full text of the recommendations is available from the TT Club

Forest Service offers safety tips for New Year’s celebrations

LUFKIN, TX (KTRE) -

Business is booming for fireworks
stands across East Texas as many prepare to celebrate the last day of 2012.

But Texas AM Forest Service
officials say its important to take precautions to ring in the new year safely.

“We’ve had a lot of rain lately
and its good timing so we can go out and enjoy fireworks but I’d still be
careful because we still have a drought going on,” said Jan Amen, TX
AM Forest Service.

Officials say the recent weather can
give many a false sense of security and its important to shoot fireworks in a
clear area.

 ”We have a lot of leaves on the ground,
they’re not necessarily dry but they could be in pile that’s dry,” said
Amen.

 Forest Service Prevention Officer Jan Amen
says accidents are avoidable when you know what you’re doing.

“Even though you’ve done these
fireworks over and over again it’s a good idea to read the instructions,”
said Amen.

 Kevin Black has been selling fireworks for six
years and say even something as simple as sparklers can be potentially
dangerous so be prepared for anything.

“Just be sure you always have a
bucket of water handy to put fireworks out in,” said Black.

 Structures can be put at risk during firework
season and black suggests staying away from any buildings.

 ”High winds or anything try not to do a
lot of aerial stuff and just be safe,” said Black.

 Safety officials say taking these precautions
will keep your celebrations just as bright and a little safer.  It’s also important
to check for burn bans and firework restrictions, fireworks are banned inside both
Lufkin and Nacogdoches city limits.

Copyright 2012 KTRE. All rights reserved.