Backyard Safety

As many as 200,000 people are injured each year while working with yard and garden equipment. About 75 are killed and 20,000 hurt on or near riding mowers and tractors alone, 20% of them children. Please follow these safety tips from the federal government:
Know your equipment, read all safety directions and keep it in excellent condition, with guards and other devices firmly in place.
Never allow children in the yard while you're mowing or using other equipment (such as that used for trimming), and never let them ride on a mower.
Be alert to people who may suddenly appear. Be cautious when backing or going around corners and other obstacles, such as shrubs and trees.
Wear personal safety equipment as recommended - safety shoes, eye protection, gloves, and hearing protection.
Before starting, walk the yard and pick up such hazards as glass, stones, metal, sticks, wire and nails - some flying objects can kill bystanders.
Never work with electric power tools in wet or damp conditions, and always inspect cords for fraying.
Unplug tools and disable the mower's spark plug before doing maintenance.
Avoid leaving equipment unattended. If you have to, make sure it is turned off and is inoperable.
Never fill gasoline tanks while machinery is operating or is still hot.