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Snow-Clearing Safety

 

Shoveling

Done right, shoveling snow can be a great workout. But done wrong, shoveling can lead to back strain or cardiac arrest. Strenuous work combined with winter temperatures contributes to the rapid increase in heart attacks during winter snowfalls.

 

Follow some basic safety advice when clearing snow this winter: 

 

  • Give it a Shove: When possible, push snow instead of lifting. Specially designed shovels have a long blade with a pronounced curve specifically for pushing snow.

  • If You Must Lift: When lifting snow, bend at the knee, crouching into a slight sit position as you scoop. Use your knees, not your back, to lift your body and the shovel upward.

  • The Sooner the Better: Shovel snow right after a snowfall when it's still light and isn't  packed down.
  • Hydrate: Drink water. Staying hydrated is just as important during cold-weather exercise as in summer.
  • Stretch: Do stretching exercises before shoveling—particularly if you're heading out first thing in the morning.
  • Abstain: Avoid smoking, alcohol or caffeine while shoveling. These cause the blood vessels to shrink and put extra strain on your heart. 
  • Check with Your Doctor: If you are over 45 and sedentary, check with your doctor before shoveling. If you smoke, have heart disease or high blood pressure or are on chemotherapy, you should avoid shoveling at any age.

 

 

Snow Blowers

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), improper use of snow blowers is a leading cause for finger amputations—as many as 590 in one recent year. The CPSC estimates that each year there are approximately 5,740 hospital emergency room-related injuries associated with snow throwers.

 

Injuries most frequently occurred when users tried to clear the auger/collector or discharge chute with their hands.

 

The CPSC offers the following safety tips for using snow blowers:

 

  • Stop the engine and use a long stick to unclog wet snow and debris from the machine. Do not use your hands to unclog a snow thrower.

  • Never leave the machine running in an enclosed area.

  • Add fuel to the tank outdoors before starting the machine; don't add gasoline to a running or hot engine. 

  • If you have an electric-powered snow thrower, be aware of where the power cord is at all times.

 

 

 

 

 
St. Vincent Hospital St. Mary's Hospital