SAFELY Survey Shows 76% of Japanese Summer Mowers Suffer Health Issues

A July 2026 internet survey by the Japanese platform SAFELY asked 1,000 adults who had performed lawn mowing or weeding at home about their summer‑yard work experiences. Seventy‑six‑point‑one percent reported feeling ill during mowing, with dizziness and general fatigue cited as the most common symptoms – early signs of heat‑stroke. One respondent said they had been taken to the emergency room.

Despite the high rate of discomfort, 83.8% said they would still mow themselves this year, citing cost concerns and a belief they could handle the work. Over 84% had never hired a professional service; the main barriers were perceived expense (42.4%) and the notion that they could do it themselves (35.4%). About 52% indicated they might consider hiring a professional if conditions were right.

SAFELY recommends preventive measures: regular water intake, breaks every 15‑30 minutes, shifting work to early morning or late evening, and using protective gear such as hats and long sleeves. For physically demanding or risky tasks, employing a qualified service is presented as a safer alternative.