Posted By Kevin West During most of our Health and Safety Training Courses (CCNSG: NASP)I ask the delegates to complete a risk assessment on this very subject. Although it isn't directly linked with the tasks many of the delegates undertake in their work (with the exception of landscape gardeners)it is a common enough task for most people to have the ability to define the hazards and to assess the risk involved given various scenarios. As you have not given the actual scenario concerned(e.g. weather conditions, duration of task, level of training, age and condition of mower and type of mower etc. There are some 'generic' factors that you may wish to consider (apart from those already mentioned): 1 Manual handling of the mower itself (especially on banks). 2 Potential of foot injuries due to mower contacting the feet. 3 Impact injuries due to debris on the lawn flicking upwards as the mower comes into contact with it. 4 Trip hazards (including the cable if using electric mowers) 5 Electrical hazards (if using electrical Mowers) 6 Diesel Fumes and the storage and transport of diesel (if using a diesel mower) 7 Noise effects (especially diesel mowers. 8 Effects of the weather on the individual (UV rays from sun, sunstroke, heat stress, etc) 9 'In the field' maintenace and cleaning procedures and training (safe systems of work etc) 10 Competency of the individual (age and experience) Although not exhaustive the above should be an adequate starting point. It is very difficult to comment on this when one cannot see the actual situation. Should you wish to discuss this further feel free to contact me by clicking on my name and emailing me. I hope this helps. Kev

Posted By Ken Taylor Add 'Health Hazards' to your list (Toxocara, Leptospirosis, Tetanus, etc depending upon locations.