Trainers and Supervisors Prohibited from Riding Lawn Equipment
In the realm of lawn maintenance, a seemingly innocuous practice has been identified as a major safety hazard - allowing extra riders on power equipment such as lawn mowers and tractors. This act, which may seem harmless, significantly increases the risk of falls, injuries, and even fatalities.
The primary concern lies in the lack of proper seating and safety restraints for passengers. This vulnerability makes them susceptible to falling off or being struck by debris, a risk that has resulted in tragic incidents [2]. The critical safety advice is clear: do not allow extra riders on such equipment.
The hazards associated with having extra passengers are manifold. The risk of falls and ejection from moving mowers or tractors is significantly increased, potentially leading to serious injury or death [2]. Moreover, the absence of designated seating, seat belts, or safety bars in power equipment makes passengers more exposed, increasing their vulnerability.
Additional passengers can also create distractions for the operator or shift weight unexpectedly, increasing the chance of tipping or collision [4]. Furthermore, power equipment with blades can throw objects like stones or sticks, posing injury risks not only to the operator but to extra riders nearby [3][4].
Riding with extra passengers on uneven or sloped terrain exacerbates these hazards, as machines can tip, causing passengers to be thrown off [4].
To mitigate these risks, safety guidelines consistently stress that only trained operators should be on lawn equipment, and no extra riders should be permitted [2][4]. Manufacturers’ manuals and expert safety advice explicitly warn against carrying passengers on machines not designed for them, including zero-turn and riding mowers [2][4].
In summary, having extra passengers on lawn power equipment is a major safety hazard that should be avoided at all costs. Proper use involves operating the equipment solo and following all manufacturer and safety expert recommendations [2][4].
It is essential to note that this rule applies to all, including children. Riders may block the driver's view or movement, fall from the equipment, be run over, become entangled in equipment, or be killed. Only one person is allowed on each piece of machinery.
Preventive measures such as advance planning can help avoid the need for riders on machinery. Extra passengers interfere with the operator's vision and ability to use controls, distract the operator, increase the rider's exposure to noise, dust, and chemicals, and increase the risk of a multiple injury incident.
New workers should be trained in a classroom or shop setting before they drive machinery and lawn equipment. Additionally, using additional vehicles to transport workers to and from a job site, rather than lawn equipment, is recommended.
Lastly, all drivers of equipment need training to ensure safety and adherence to guidelines. Planning transportation for passengers early reduces the temptation to carry riders on machinery and lawn equipment.
