If it just happened
Emergency? Call 911- 1Call 911 for a foot or hand caught in a blade, deep cuts, heavy bleeding, an eye injury from a flying object, or if the mower rolled over on you.
- 2Shut off the engine and remove the key or spark plug wire, or ask a coworker to, before anyone reaches near the blade.
- 3Do not rub or try to remove anything stuck in your eye. Keep it still and wait for help.
- 4For bleeding, press firmly with a clean cloth and keep pressure on it.
- 5Tell your crew leader or supervisor right away, then report it in writing and keep a copy.
- 6When it is safe, photograph the machine, the slope or terrain, and any rocks, stumps or debris in the area.
General information only — not medical or legal advice.
Reporting it and the claim process
Landscaping and grounds crews face blade contact, thrown rocks and debris, line trimmer strikes to the legs and eyes, and mowers sliding on wet slopes. Your report should say which machine you were using, what you were cutting, the weather and ground conditions, and what protective gear you had on.
If the mower's safety features did not stop the blade, say so. A cutoff switch, discharge chute guard or shield that was missing or broken is worth noting. Ask that the equipment be set aside rather than put back in service.
Seasonal and crew workers sometimes worry they are too new to file. Whether you qualify generally depends on your state and job, not just how long you have worked there. Deadlines to report and file vary by state, so check with your state's workers' compensation agency early.
Keep the incident report, photos, any repair records for the machine, and a list of medical visits and lost days. If you speak another language better, it is fine to ask for help reading forms.
Getting medical care
Blade and debris injuries can be deeper than they look, and eye injuries from flying objects need prompt care. Depending on the injury, people may see urgent care, eye care, foot and ankle, or hand specialists. A licensed clinician decides what is appropriate after examining you. Tell the clinician what you were cutting and whether dirt, grass or debris got into the wound, since that can affect how it is cleaned.
Tell the clinician the injury happened at work. Some states and employers have rules about which provider you see first, so ask your supervisor or the adjuster.
If medication is prescribed, ask how work-injury prescriptions are handled. Many pharmacies can deliver to your home, which helps if you cannot drive or walk easily.
Prescribed medication? Learn about prescription home delivery, common medications after work injuries, or find pharmacies near you. Your doctor and pharmacist decide what is right for you.
When people often talk to an attorney
- You lost toes or part of a foot or hand, or have lasting vision problems.
- The mower or trimmer's safety features failed, and the maker or a repair shop may be involved.
- The claim is denied because you were seasonal, part-time or paid in cash.
- Follow-up specialist care is delayed or refused.
- You are pressured not to report or told to handle it on your own.
Learn more: what a workers' comp attorney does. Many offer a free first consultation; fees in workers' comp are often regulated by the state.
Recovery and going back to work
Wound care and follow-up visits are often a big part of recovery from mower injuries. Follow instructions closely and watch for signs your clinician tells you to report, such as increasing redness or swelling. Keep feet dry and protected if you were cut through a shoe or boot.
Ask for written restrictions, such as no standing on uneven ground, no operating equipment or protecting an eye. Share them with your employer and ask whether lighter tasks are available.
Keep in touch with your supervisor and the claims adjuster, especially if the season ends while you are still recovering. Write down every conversation.
Questions to ask
- Will the mower or trimmer be taken out of service and kept as it was?
- Were the blade cutoff and guards working before the accident?
- Which clinic should I go to for a work injury?
- Doctor, what signs of infection or vision change should I watch for?
- Am I covered even though I am seasonal or part-time?
- How are work-injury prescriptions handled, and can they be delivered?
- Attorney, could the equipment maker or a repair shop be involved?
- What protective boots, chaps, glasses or face shields are provided?
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I was injured by a mower or trimmer on the job?
Shut off the machine, get help, and call 911 for deep cuts, foot injuries, eye injuries or heavy bleeding. Then tell your supervisor and report it in writing. Photos of the machine and the area can help later.
Something from a trimmer hit my eye. What should I do?
Do not rub it or try to remove anything stuck in it, and get emergency care right away. Eye injuries from flying debris can be serious even if pain seems mild. Report it once you have been seen.
Are seasonal landscaping workers covered by workers' comp?
Many are, but it depends on your state and your employment arrangement. Being seasonal does not by itself mean you are not covered. Ask your employer and your state's workers' compensation agency.
What if the mower's safety switch did not work?
Write it down, tell your employer, and ask that the mower be kept as it was. Equipment that fails to stop can raise questions about the manufacturer or whoever maintained it. People often ask an attorney about this.
Do I have to see the company's doctor?
It depends on your state and employer. Some require you to start with a certain provider. Ask before or soon after your first visit.
Can I get help reading claim forms?
Yes, it is reasonable to ask for help. You can ask your employer, the adjuster or your state's workers' compensation agency about forms in your language. Do not sign something you do not understand without asking questions.
Related situations
Industries where this often happens
Prescriptions.plus is an educational portal. We are not a pharmacy, law firm, medical provider, insurer or claims administrator, and nothing here is medical or legal advice. Educational purposes only. Workers' compensation rules and deadlines vary by state — check with your state's workers' compensation agency. Medical emergency? Call 911. Hurt outside of work? Personal-injury legal help: attorneys.plus (coming soon).