Snow Shoveling Safety Tips

If you live in an area with harsh winters, you’re used to digging out from under the “white stuff”.  Whether it's a high-powered snow blower or an old-fashioned shovel, digging out is a necessary evil for most of us, and we look for the best and most efficient way to get it done. Although it’s all part of winter, shoveling can cause serious health problems, or make existing problems worse. Below are a few tips for shoveling safely according to the National Safety Council:

Stretch before you start. Just as you should warm up before jogging or doing any other type of exercise, stretch your muscles before you pick up the shovel or get behind the snow blower.  Take a quick walk or march in place for a few minutes to warm up your whole body, then focus on your legs and hamstrings. Even if you use a snow blower, steering the machine can take its toll on your shoulders, arms, and legs.

Know your limits. Shoveling snow is an extremely physical activity. Even if you exercise regularly and are in good shape, shoveling heavy mounds of snow for hours can take a serious toll on your heart. If you have heart problems, ask a relative or neighbor to help with the bulk of the heavy work.  Shoveling snow is no joke—approximately 100 people suffer heart attacks while shoveling every year.

Push, don’t lift… It can be tough if you’re clearing several inches of snow, but try to push as much of it out of the way as you can instead of lifting heavy mounds.

…but lift correctly. Sometimes you must lift the stuff; when you do, always practice proper lifting techniques as explained on the website SpineHealth.com:  Hold the shovel with one hand near the blade and your other hand near the handle. Bend at the hips rather than the low back; push your chest out, pointing forward. Then, bend your knees and lift with your leg muscles, keeping your back straight. Don’t pile too much onto the shovel.  If you turn to dump a mound of snow, turn with your whole body rather than just your back. An ergonomic snow shovel with a curved or adjustable handle can make the task easier.

Take breaks.  Take several breaks; stop every 30 or 45 minutes depending on how much snow you’re planning to clear (break more often if you’re clearing several inches).  

If using a regular shovel is taking its toll, consider buying a snow blower. While you’re still using your legs to push the machine, there’s less strain on your back and will be a better long-term investment.  

Do you use a snow blower or an old-fashioned shovel? Are there any tips you would add to this list? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!