Ignoring the need for landscaping maintenance isn't an option. As a landscaping or property maintenance professional, you know it'll only come back to haunt you. Commercial mowers are a great way to get the job done — but they're not without their risks. 

What Are the Common Safety Issues in Commercial Mowing?

There are several commercial lawn mower safety concerns shared by property managers, landscaping companies, and public works agencies. 

Mowing Isn't Music to Your Crew's Ears

Commercial mowers are loud. And by loud, we're talking decibel ranges between 82 and 90. That's about as loud as an average rock concert and louder than your standard alarm clock. The World Health Organization says you can safely listen to 80 decibels for about 40 hours a week. Crank that to 90 decibels, and more than 4 hours of exposure can cause hearing damage.

Conventional Commercial Mowers Put Off Some Bad Vibes

Long days on these machines expose operators to consistent vibration, causing the cleverly named vibration syndrome. Damage to the shoulders, neck, and hands can happen in as little as a year with repeated exposure. More prolonged exposure can lead to long-term muscular and nerve damage.

It's a Jungle Out There

Potential risks lurk out there in areas you need to maintain. Snake bites, bee stings, and encounters with rabid critters can happen. There's also sharp sticks and thorny vines to avoid.

Zero-Turn Doesn't Mean Zero-Danger

Many landscaping companies, park systems, and public works agencies have made zero-turn mowers their go-to for landscaping maintenance. These models can reach speeds of up to 15 miles per hour. While that helps get the cutting done faster, it can also make the machine harder to control. And that same narrow wheelbase that allows for such maneuverability? It increases the chances of rollover.

Earth Isn't Flat

We know — you learned that in elementary school. It hasn't changed, which means you're likely tackling landscaping tasks on uneven or sloped terrain. Bumpy areas jar operators and can lead to the equipment becoming unbalanced. Rocky ground often means lots of stones the mower can throw, endangering the operator and others nearby.

Slopes are even more challenging to mow. Some models lack the climbing ability and maneuverability to handle them accurately. The result? Operators struggle with positioning or access and may attempt to force the mower, which increases chances of injury or rollovers.

4 Ways to Improve Safety in Commercial Mowing

Let's stop discussing problems and start talking solutions.

1. Implement Safety Training

The primary way to promote better safety in landscaping maintenance is to ensure your crew has the proper training. At a minimum, your operators should know:

• How to start, operate, stop, refuel, and maintain the equipment safely.
• What personal protective equipment (PPE) is required and how to use it.
• What equipment safety checks to do, when, and how often.
• Potential hazards and obstacles to look for on a site, and how to handle or clear them.
• How to mow correctly on slopes.

To ensure ongoing safety, offering periodic refreshers on these points is a great idea.

2. Enforce Zero-Tolerance Policies

Once you've developed your safety plan, enforce it. The truth is, you can't afford to let things slip. OSHA says employers have a duty to protect employees from recognized hazards in the workplace. They can fine you (and an injured employee can potentially sue you) for noncompliance that results in harm.

Some issues you'll want to watch out for include:

• Employees who appear to be under the influence of medication, alcohol, or controlled substances.
• Unsafe employee activities with equipment.
• A failure to use PPE consistently or correctly.
• Equipment modifications by employees.
• Disengagement of safety features on equipment because an employee finds them “inconvenient.”

Protect yourself, others, and your business reputation by not taking infractions lightly.

3. Choose Equipment With Multiple Safety Features

You wouldn't settle for a vehicle without headlights and brakes, right? So why settle for commercial mowers without a full stack of safety features? Here's a starting point for what to look for in your equipment:

• High-quality parts and construction: Low-quality parts and construction are a red flag. Just say no and celebrate your smart business decision.
• Safety-first design:Your mower should include various design features for safety. Think blade and pinch-point guards and anti-tip-over technology at a minimum.
• Automatic and emergency shut-offs: Equipment should automatically stop running when certain actions occur. For example, the mower should have anti-collision sensors and immediately stop if it detects an obstacle in its path. It should also come standard with manual and automatic emergency shut-offs to disable operation instantly.
• Alignment with ANSI/OPEI B71.4: Many commercial mower manufacturers adopt this voluntary safety standard, and objective third-party testing is required to certify compliance. You'll typically see a decal verifying conformance.
• Model-specific safety features: Advanced equipment like robotic mowers should offer equally advanced safety standards. Look for features like horn alert systems and tilt-drop sensors that automatically power down the mower if the remote control isn't secure and stable in the operator's hands.
• Optional safety accessories: Some manufacturers offer optional accessories that can make the mower safer to operate in many conditions. Choose from upgrades like headlights, chute guards, and rollover protection structures.

You'll also want to read the owner's manual before purchase for any additional safety features the manufacturer included and how to use them accurately.

4. Invest in Remote-Controlled Commercial Mowers

A remote-controlled commercial mower is the ultimate in safety. These mowers allow a trained operator to get work done in the most challenging areas. One operator and one machine controlled from afar — far away from the hazards they'd otherwise encounter using traditional mowing equipment. With high signal connectivity, your operator can be up to 1,000 feet away, out of the reach of sharp sticks, creature-infested areas, and flying projectiles. No vibrations. No excessive noise. Less complaining. It's a win-win situation.

Robotic mowers are built to tackle the slopes, reducing the chance of a tip-over or rollover. Simply guide the mower safely and precisely through the vegetation using the built-in camera for visibility. And get your work done more efficiently. One person and one remote-operated mower take less than half the time than that of a five- to seven-person crew with string trimmers to get results.

Be a Mower Safety Boss With RC Mowers

RC Mowers redefines the business of mowing safely with Remote-Operated Robotic Mowers and Autonomous Mowing Robots™ that are jam-packed with safety features. We've designed these bad boys to do the jobs no human should while unlocking increased efficiency and niche revenue potential. Tackle the most challenging terrain you maintain with ease and efficiency (and a joystick).

Ready to watch them work? Request a demo today to see our revolutionary mowers in action.