Shoveling Snow Safely

Midwest winters can be fi­lled with fun like snowmobiling or enjoying a fresh snowfall. However, for most of us, snow also brings the chore and hazards of shoveling. It’s important to keep these things in mind to stay safe –

• Layer on the Warmth: Dress in layers so you can adapt to temperature changes. When the wind chill is intense, be sure to cover your ears, nose, hands and feet to prevent frostbite.

• Protect Your Back: If possible, it’s best to push the snow rather than lift it. Remember to bend your knees and keep your back straight to prevent injury. For way to prevent back injury, check out our back pain relief app MobileBack.

• Pace Yourself: It’s not a race to clear the driveway. Use a smaller shovel to make your scoops lighter and breathe normally throughout your shoveling. If you feel light headed or dizzy, take a break and go inside for a rest.

• Snowblower Safety: Keep your hands and clothing, such as scarves, away from the blades of your snowblower. If you need to attend to the blades, shut the engine off completely before getting close.

Source: uwhealth.org; “Tips for Snow Shoveling,” (accessed Nov. 18, 2019), available at uwhealth.org.

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