Keep Your Yard and Hands in Top Shape this Summer
The buzz of lawnmowers across the neighborhood is a sure sign that summer has arrived. Though many of us do not enjoy mowing our lawns, it is important that proper precautions are taken to prevent hand injuries. Lawnmowers can cut and crush multiple fingers with injury to the bones, joints, tendons, nerves, arteries, veins, and skin causing severe damage to the hands.
Des Plaines, IL (PRWEB) May 2, 2007
The buzz of lawnmowers across the neighborhood is a sure sign that summer has arrived. Though many of us do not enjoy mowing our lawns, it is important that proper precautions are taken to prevent hand injuries. Lawnmowers can cut and crush multiple fingers with injury to the bones, joints, tendons, nerves, arteries, veins, and skin causing severe damage to the hands.
"Prevention of injury is crucial when operating a lawnmower, said American Society for Surgery of the Hand member, Frederick F. Fakharzadeh, MD, of Paramus, NJ. "The machine is capable of causing significant damage and you may not get a second chance if you make a mistake." Dr. Fakharzadeh cautions operators to make sure to follow the instructions on safe operation of the lawnmower, and do not override the safety provisions that have been built in to protect you and others around you.
The American Society for Surgery of the Hand encourages individuals that are going to be mowing lawns this summer to review the following safety tips:
Read the operator's manual carefully prior to using the machine. Never put your hand or fingers near the moving parts or intake or output areas of lawnmowers. If there is an object in the way of any part of the machine, the machine should be turned off before attempting to remove the object. Objects should be removed with a tool and not the hand or fingers. Proper hand and footwear should be used; non-slip, non-open toe shoes should be worn. Protective gloves can give some protection, but the force from the machine can still cause extensive damage despite the gloves. Clear the lawn of debris, such as rocks, sticks, toys and other objects. Objects picked up and hurled by the blade can cause injuries. Inspect the lawnmower to ensure all protective devices are in place before starting the machine. These safeguards were put in place for the users' protection and will prevent injuries. Do not fill the gasoline tank while the engine is running. Allow the machine to cool, fill it with fuel outdoors and wipe up spills. Set the blade with the machine off and spark-plugs removed/disconnected. Children and pets should not be permitted in the mowing area. The machine can pick up and throw objects. Don't operate a mower when your reflexes are impaired by a substance.
Should you cut your finger or hand, bleeding from minor cuts will often stop on their own by applying direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth. Visit an emergency room or a hand surgeon if: continuous pressure does not stop the bleeding after 15 minutes; you notice persistent numbness or tingling in the fingertip; you are unsure of your tetanus immunization status or you are unable to thoroughly cleanse the wound by rinsing with a mild soap and plenty of clean water.
For more information about the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and its free "Find a Hand Surgeon" service offered to the general public, please visit: www. HandCare. org.
The mission of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand is to advance the science and practice of hand surgery through education, research and advocacy on behalf of patients and practitioners.
The field of hand surgery deals with both surgical and non-surgical treatment of conditions and problems that may take place in the hand or upper extremity (from the tip of the hand to the shoulder). Hand surgeons can set fractures, provide appropriate nerve care, treat common problems like carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow, reattach amputated fingers, create fingers for children born with incompletely formed hands, and help people function better in their day-to-day lives through restoring use of their fingers, hands, and arms.
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