Ride-On Mower Safety

Ride-on mowers are used on construction sites for maintaining landscaped areas, embankments, and verges.
Rollover on slopes is the most common cause of serious injury and death involving ride-on mowers.
Mower blades rotate at high speed, creating severe laceration and amputation hazards from contact or ejected objects.
Objects such as stones, wire, and debris can be ejected at speed by the blade, striking bystanders.
PUWER 1998 requires ride-on mowers to be maintained, inspected, and operated by trained and competent persons.
Noise levels from ride-on mowers typically exceed 85 dB(A), requiring hearing protection for the operator.
Operating on wet grass, slopes, and uneven ground significantly increases the risk of loss of control.
Rollover protection structures (ROPS) and seatbelts must be fitted and used on all ride-on mowers.
Refuelling must be carried out with the engine off and away from hot exhaust components.
Pedestrians and other workers must be kept clear of the mowing area during operation.

Prevent rollover deaths	Ride-on mowers overturn on slopes and uneven ground, crushing operators who are not wearing seatbelts.
Blade contact injuries	High-speed rotating blades cause amputations, and ejected objects strike bystanders at lethal velocity.
Legal compliance	PUWER 1998 requires safe maintenance, competent operation, and guarding of all ride-on mowing equipment.

Do

Don't

Wear the seatbelt and ensure the ROPS is in the raised and locked position before mowing
Inspect the mowing area for stones, wire, debris, and hidden hazards before starting
Mow up and down slopes, not across them, to reduce the risk of lateral rollover
Keep all guards, shields, and deflectors in place during mowing operations
Wear hearing protection when operating the mower as noise exceeds 85 dB(A)
Maintain a safe exclusion zone around the mower to protect pedestrians from ejected objects
Switch off the engine and remove the key before carrying out any maintenance or clearing
Check tyre pressures and blade condition as part of the daily pre-use inspection
Reduce speed on slopes, wet grass, and uneven ground to maintain control at all times
Refuel with the engine off and cool, away from ignition sources and in a ventilated area

DON'T operate a ride-on mower without the seatbelt fastened and ROPS in position
DON'T mow across slopes — always travel up and down the gradient to prevent rollover
DON'T remove guards, blade shields, or debris deflectors while the mower is in use
DON'T allow passengers to ride on the mower at any time during operation
DON'T mow near pedestrians without maintaining a safe exclusion zone for ejected objects
DON'T reach under the deck or near blades without the engine stopped and key removed
DON'T operate the mower on wet slopes where traction and control are significantly reduced
DON'T refuel with the engine running or near hot exhaust components
DON'T mow over ground you have not inspected for hidden hazards and debris
DON'T allow untrained or unauthorised persons to operate the ride-on mower

See also: Landscaping Safety Awareness | Plant Pre-Use Inspections

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