Photo: Sun SentinelA 21-year-old Fort Lauderdale landscaper died after he became trapped under his lawn mower in a canal.
The landscaper was mowing on a slope when it slipped into the canal, according to the Sun Sentinel.
Two police officers pulled him out of the waterway and performed CPR until fire-rescue arrived.
However, the landscaper was already in cardiac arrest and later died at local medical center.
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Many times landscapers are forced to mow on steep slopes or wet areas. However, it’s important for landscapers to know when it is appropriate to mow on slopes, as well as how to mow on slopes.
Here are a few safety tips:
- If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it with a ride-on machine.
- Mow up and down slopes, not across.
- Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.
- Choose a low ground speed so you will not have to stop or shift while on a slope.
- Do not mow on wet or damp grass. Tires may lose traction.
- Always keep the machine in gear when going down slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.
- Avoid starting, stopping or turning on a slope.
- Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual.
- Use extra care while operating the machine with grass catchers or other attachments; they can affect the stability of the machine. Do not use them on steep slopes.
- Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.
- Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments.
