Push Lawn Mowers – Landscaping Fatality File

A Fatal Accident Involving a Push Lawn Mower

On July 15, 2023, a fatal accident involving a push lawn mower occurred in a residential landscaping project in Denver, Colorado, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old landscaping worker, John Miller. Miller was operating a commercial push lawn mower on a sloped lawn when the incident occurred.

According to the investigation, Miller lost control of the mower while navigating the slope, causing the mower to tip over. As he attempted to stabilize the equipment, he slipped, and the mower rolled back, pinning him against a tree. Despite immediate assistance from his coworkers and emergency services, Miller suffered severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The investigation highlighted several contributing factors, including the challenging terrain, lack of proper training on operating mowers on slopes, and inadequate use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Following this incident, the landscaping company has enforced stricter safety protocols, including comprehensive training for handling equipment on uneven terrain and mandatory PPE usage.