Yardwork is as close as many people come to operating heavy machinery. The equipment is so commonplace, though, that many people discount the safety risk.

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute suggests the following yard- safety guidelines:

- Know how to operate the equipment -- read the manual and follow the safety guidelines.
- Dress properly for the job -- wear long pants, close-fitting clothes, sturdy shoes, and safety glasses.
- Handle gas carefully -- fill up before you start, when the engine is cold. Avoid spilling gas. Fill up before you start, while the engine is cold. Don't spill when you fill.
- Clear the area before you start mowing -- remove rocks, twigs, cans, golf balls, and anything else.
- Keep children and pets away from the area until you're finished -- never carry children on a riding mower.
- Turn off the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire of gas-powered equipment and unplug electrical equipment before working on it.
- Keep hands and feet away from moving parts -- never work on equipment while it is running. Don't put hands or feet under rotating parts.
- Stop the engine on your mower when crossing gravel drives, walks or roads, and under any conditions where thrown objects might be a hazard.
- After striking a foreign object or if your mower or tiller vibrates abnormally, stop the engine, disconnect and secure spark plug wire, and inspect the unit for any damage.
- Never cross the cord of an electric edger or trimmer.
- Use grounded extension cords with outdoor electrical equipment.
- Service your equipment annually.
- Operate shredders or grinders on a level turf surface -- do not operate them on a paved or gravel surface.
- Stand clear of the discharge area when operating equipment.
- Do not put face, hands, feet or any part of your body or clothing near the chute, hopper, or discharge area.
- Never mow wet grass. You may slip on wet grass, and your mower is more likely to clog.
- Always shut off the engine when adjusting the mower height.
- Mow in sufficient daylight, looking 3 feet to 4 feet ahead for debris.
- Always watch your footing on slopes. Mow across an incline and never mow an incline that is too steep for balance and control.
- Never pull a mower towards you. Always push in a forward direction.
- Keep the mower flat. Never lift the mower.
- When buying a new riding mower, look for a system that shuts off the blade when the operator dismounts.
- Always start riding mowers from the operator's seat. Never start the machine while standing beside the tractor.
- Keep both feet on riding machinery at all times.
- Operate riding mowers at cautious speeds.
- Don't drink alcohol while operating yard equipment.
- Roll up an unused garden hose and store it. Never leave it lying in the grass where someone may stumble over it.
- Don't wear loose clothes, a tie, or flowing sleeves when cooking on an outdoor grill.
- Don't smoke while refueling equipment.
- Remove toys before applying pesticides, and keep children and pets out of the area as long as recommended on the packaging.