After all tools have been removed from the machine or equipment, guards have been reinstalled, and employees are in the clear, remove all lockout and tagout devices. Operate the energy-isolating device to restore energy to the machine or equipment. Wire, rocks, and twigs, etc., can shoot out through the discharge chute or from under the housing. Victims in these cases are often bystanders. This occurs primarily with riding mowers used on steep slopes or embankments.
Victims contact the blades or sustain injuries during the fall.
Accidents also result from the operator pulling the mower backward over their foot. S afety shoes, gloves, eye protection, long pants, and a long sleeved shirt should be worn while operating a mower or trimmer. A reas should be surveyed before mowing to check for debris, rocks, twigs and other miscellaneous items that could become projectiles if thrown from a mower or trimmer. Care should be taken to insure that other people are not in the immediate vicinity, and equipment discharge should be directed away from employees, pedestrians, streets and sidewalks. Guards and shields should be kept in place and never tied back.