AJR65: Joint Resolution Text

2021 - 2022 LEGISLATURE

2021 Assembly JOINT RESOLUTION 65

June 16, 2021 - Introduced by Representative Kurtz, cosponsored by Senator Marklein. Referred to Committee on Rules.

AJR65,1,2 Relating to: proclaiming the week of June 20 through June 26, 2021, as Lawnmower Safety Week throughout the state of Wisconsin.

AJR65,1,5 Whereas, Lawnmower Safety Week was launched to raise awareness about the need for increased education on how to be safe around lawnmowers and help avoid serious cuts, burns, and amputations; and

AJR65,1,8 Whereas, more than 16,000 children and teens are hurt each year because of lawnmower injuries. Lawnmowers are the number one cause of amputation in children. Every year, 15 children die from lawnmower injuries; and

AJR65,1,11 Whereas, the energy of the rotating blade can send objects such as rocks or sticks flying up to 200 m.p.h., endangering both the operator and others in the yard; and

AJR65,1,14 Whereas, to protect children from lawnmower related injuries, experts are asking parents and caregivers to keep young children away from mowers and find safer ways to involve them in yard work; and

AJR65,2,2 Whereas, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) have a number of recommended safety guidelines:

AJR65,2,4 ○ Children less than 6 years old should never be in the yard when a lawnmower is in use.

AJR65,2,5 ○ Children less than 12 years old should not operate lawnmowers.

AJR65,2,7 ○ Children should be at least 12 years old to use a push lawnmower and at least 16 years old to operate a riding lawnmower.

AJR65,2,8 ○ No riders other than the operator should be allowed on a riding mower.

AJR65,2,9 ○ Children can easily fall off a riding mower and be injured.

AJR65,2,11 ○ Children who have been given a ride on a mower in the past may run into the area unexpectedly and be run over by the mower.

AJR65,2,12 ○ Remove stones, toys, and sticks from the yard before mowing.

AJR65,2,13 ○ Operators should wear sturdy shoes and protective eyewear.

AJR65,2,14 ○ Operators should not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

AJR65,2,17 ○ Mowers should not be pulled backward, and mowing in reverse should be avoided. If operating a riding mower in reverse, always look for children behind the mower.

AJR65,2,19 ○ Caution should be used when mowing hills and slopes. Do not cut wet grass.

AJR65,2,21 ○ Push mowers should be used across slopes to avoid the mower rolling over your feet if you slip.

AJR65,2,23 ○ Riding mowers should be driven up and down slopes to avoid the mower tipping over.

AJR65,3,2 ○ Mowers should have a control that stops the blade from moving if the handle is released.

AJR65,3,3 ○ A running lawnmower should not be left unattended.

AJR65,3,5 ○ The motor must be turned off before checking, servicing, or cleaning the mower.

AJR65,3,7 ○ If debris is caught in the mower, turn the motor off and use a stick or broom handle to remove the debris — not your hands or feet.

AJR65,3,8 ○ Lawn mowers must be in good working order; and

AJR65,3,12 Whereas, UW Health and American Family Children's Hospitals are partners with Prevent Child Injury, which has the goal of Preventing Unintentional Child Injuries, and Safe Kids Wisconsin is led by Children's Wisconsin; now, therefore, be it

AJR65,3,15 Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the Wisconsin Legislature does hereby proclaim the week of June 20 through June 26, 2021, as Lawnmower Safety Week throughout the state of Wisconsin.

AJR65,3,16 (End)