Check with your doctor. Because this activity places high stress on the heart, you should always speak with your doctor before shoveling or snow blowing. If you have a medical condition or do not exercise regularly, consider hiring someone to remove the snow.
Dress appropriately. Light, layered, water-repellent clothing provides both ventilation and insulation. It is also important to wear the appropriate head coverings, as well as mittens or gloves and thick, warm socks. Avoid falls by wearing shoes or boots that have slip-resistant soles.
Try to clear snow early and often. Begin shoveling/blowing when a light covering of snow is on the ground to avoid dealing with packed, heavy snow.
Be sure you can see what you are shoveling/blowing. Do not let a hat or scarf block your vision. Watch for ice patches and uneven surfaces.
Tips for Safe Snow Shoveling:
Having recognized that snow shoveling can injure your back, listed here are tips to help you avoid an injury.
Tip # 1. - If you experience pain of any kind, stop immediately and seek assistance.
Tip # 2.- Choose a snow shovel that is right for you!
Be sure that your shovel has a curved handle, as this enables you to keep your back straighter when shoveling.
Obtain a shovel with an appropriate length handle. The length is correct when you can slightly bend your knees, flex your back 10 degrees or less, and hold the shovel comfortably in your hands at the start of the "shoveling stroke".
A plastic shovel blade will generally be lighter than a metal one, thus putting less strain on your spine.
Sometimes, a smaller blade is better than a larger blade. Although a small blade can't shovel as much, it avoids the risk of trying to pick up a too heavy pile of snow with a larger blade.
Tip # 3. - Push the snow, do not lift it. Pushing puts far less strain on the spine than lifting.
Tip # 4. - Be sure your muscles are warm before you start shoveling. Cold, tight muscles are more likely to sprain or strain than warm, relaxed muscles.
Tip # 5. - When you grip the shovel, make sure your hands are at least 12 inches apart. By creating distance between your hands, you increase your leverage and reduce the strain on your body.
Tip # 6.- Your shoveling technique is very important. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends: "If you must lift the snow, lift it properly. Squat with your legs apart, knees bent and back straight. Lift with your legs. Do not bend at the waist. Scoop small amounts of snow into the shovel and walk to where you want to dump it. Holding a shovel of snow with your arms outstretched puts too much weight on your spine. Never remove deep snow all at once; do it piecemeal. Shovel and inch or two; then take another inch off. Rest and repeat if necessary." In addition to these comments, remember to move your feet rather than twisting.
Tip # 7 - Never throw snow over your shoulder.
Tip # 8. - Remember that wet snow can be very heavy. One full shovel load can weigh as much as 25 pounds.
Tip # 9. - Pace yourself by taking frequent breaks to gently stretch your back, arms and legs.
Tip #10.- Consider buying a snowblower. When used correctly, a snowblower will put far less strain on your back than snow shoveling.
Snowblowing tips:
It’s been estimated that snow blowers cause
about 600 finger amputations annually.
Never stick your hands in the snow blower! If snow jams the snowblower, stop the engine and wait more than 5 seconds. Use a solid object to clear wet snow or debris from the chute. Beware of the recoil of the motor and blades after the machine has been turned off.
Do not leave the snow blower unattended when it is running. Shut off the engine if you must walk away from the machine.
Add fuel before starting the snow blower. Never add fuel when the engine is running or hot. Do not operate the machine in an enclosed area.
Stay away from the engine. It can become very hot and burn unprotected flesh.
Watch the snow blower cord. If you are operating an electric snow blower, be aware of where the power cord is at all times. Do not remove safety devices, shields or guards on switches, and keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
Never let children operate snowblowers. Keep children 15 years of age and younger away when snowblowers are in use.
Read the instruction manual prior to using a snow blower. You need to be familiar with the specific safety hazards and unfamiliar features. Do not attempt to repair or maintain the snow blower without reading the instruction manual.
Tips For Removing Snow From a Rooftop:
Be sure to dress appropriately for the task. Wear boots that are slip resistant (spike shoes for example),
warm clothes, a suitable jacket and gloves.
Use a roof rake; extenders are available if you need them. Pull the snow from the roof with the rake while maintaining a careful distance from the falling snow on the ground.
Never climb onto a roof from a ladder or through a window to remove snow accumulation.
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