A power lawnmower can throw items at high speed for some distance, causing injuries to anyone who gets in the way. A small, sharp metallic object may be as dangerous as a bullet.
Risk factors for projectile injury:
(1) lack of adequate protective covers on the mower
(2) doing maintenance or being near the blades while the motor is running
(3) presence of debris in the path of the lawnmower
(4) high speed blades
(5) exposed body surfaces (absence of protective clothinig)
The projectile can be of any material but is often wood, metal or stone.
The projectile can cause:
(1) ocular trauma
(2) superficial trauma to skin
(3) vascular injury
(4) cardiothoracic injury
(5) trauma to head and neck
(6) trauma to abdomen or groin
An entrance wound may be small and indistinct.
A radiograph may be necessary to locate the missile.
Infection including tetanus may be occur since the projectile may be coated with environmental debris.
