In a bid to reduce the number of injuries caused by lawnmowing, the Accident Compensation Corporation is challenging all New Zealanders to be safe and consider the risks of injury as they pull their mowers out of the garden shed.
The ACC accepted 6922 lawnmowing-related injuries in 2022 — the highest number of claims since 2019 — and they came at a cost of $12.6 million to help people recover.
Of those, 461 were from Otago and Southland — more than one a day.
ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker said in New Zealand, the grass grew fastest during the spring months and this was reflected in the injury data.
In August 2022, the ACC accepted 423 lawnmowing-related injury claims and these increased throughout the months of spring — September (550), October (690) and November (839).
The leading regions for lawnmowing injuries in 2022 were Auckland (1986), Waikato (932), Canterbury (693) and Northland (493).
The most common injuries were soft tissue injuries (5334), ahead of laceration/puncture/sting (915) and fracture/dislocation (154).
Such incidents had a life-long consequences for 21 New Zealanders who suffered an amputation because of a lawnmowing injury.
The leading three parts of the body hurt in a lawnmowing injury were back/spine (2230), shoulder (970) and finger/thumb (476).
"With most injuries happening to people’s backs, we encourage you to use good technique when lifting the mower — bend your knees and have a straight back.
"And when you are pulling the cord to start the mower, do it in a fashion that does not put strain on your back, shoulders or neck."
He also asked people to consider whether they had the right gear on (such as steel-capped boots, earmuffs and safety glasses); are other people nearby in danger; has the area been cleared of any debris; and is there a way to mow the lawn without putting strain on your back?
"Our data shows us that injuries are more likely to happen at our homes than anywhere else.
"No-one wants to start their weekend getting ready to mow the lawns or do a DIY job and then end up in accident and emergency with an injury.
"The good news is, these injuries are preventable. You can stop them from happening if you take a moment to consider the risks before you get stuck in."
