(June 3, 2009 - Insidermedicine) Lawn mowers can be a source of serious accidents when not used appropriately, according to an important safety message being delivered by five professional medical associations for National Safety Month.

Some common injuries caused by lawn mowers include:

•    Severed fingers, toes, or even limbs

•    Eye injuries

•    Broken bones

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons (ASMS), the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) have teamed up to educate the public about the risks of lawn mowers and how to use them safely.

Lawn mowers should not be operated by anyone under 12, or under 16 for a ride-on mower. Sturdy shoes as well as eye and hearing protection should be worn, and the mower should automatically stop if the handle is released. Toys, stones, and other debris should be removed before mowing. Mowing should be conducted in a forward-moving fashion only, and the blades must stop completely before removing the grass catcher, unclogging the discharge chute, or crossing gravel roads.

Today's story provides tips on how to use lawn mowers safely, in order to avoid devastating and disabling injuries.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.