Ride-on lawnmower operators urged to put safety first to prevent injuries

Ride-on lawnmower operators urged to put safety first to prevent injuries

SafeWork South Australia reminds workers to observe all rules for operating ride-on lawnmowers after a worker was fatally injured when his ride-on lawnmower tipped over in October 2022.

"Slopes, drop-offs, ditches, embankments and edges are major factors related to loss-of-control and tip-over incidents, which can result in severe injury or death," SafeWork SA said.

Key hazards operators must manage

Ride-on lawnmowers present several hazardous conditions that operators need to recognise before starting any job. Uneven terrain, embankments and drop-offs remain among the most common hazards linked to tip-over incidents, and each poses a serious risk of injury to operators and bystanders alike.

Operating this type of equipment near ditches or edges carries an elevated risk, particularly when visibility is poor or when equipment has not been properly maintained. SafeWork SA notes that recognising these hazards early gives operators a far better chance of avoiding a tip-over before it happens.

Training and maintenance requirements

According to SafeWork SA, ride-on lawnmower operators must be adequately trained to operate equipment safely. Proper instruction helps operators identify hazardous terrain, judge slope angles correctly, and respond appropriately when equipment begins to lose traction or stability.

Employers should ensure operators complete this training before assigning them to mowing duties, especially on properties with variable terrain. Businesses should also ensure equipment undergoes regular servicing, since poorly maintained equipment significantly increases the risk of mechanical failure and subsequent tip-over incidents.

Routine checks of brakes, tyres and safety features form part of responsible equipment ownership, and organisations managing similar plant and machinery risks may find further guidance in resources such as a farm safety guide for rural workers, given many of the same hazards apply across agricultural and grounds maintenance settings.

Reducing health and safety risks on site

Protecting operator health remains a core responsibility for any organisation using ride-on equipment. A documented approach to plant safety, supported by clear procedures, helps reduce risk exposure across a worksite and demonstrates a genuine commitment to operator wellbeing.

Organisations managing broader plant and equipment risks, including storm-related hazards affecting outdoor operations, can review approaches outlined in guidance covering storm season safety for outdoor worksites. Teams responsible for site access and property inspections, meanwhile, may benefit from principles discussed in advice for personnel entering properties for work purposes, since similar hazard-awareness practices apply.

Further information can be accessed on the SafeWork SA website.