Ah, snow: as it’s falling, nothing could be more serene than this magical winter wonderland. It’s as pretty as a picture – until you have to get rid of it. That’s when the real hassle begins. No matter what your snow removal method is, it’s important to do the job right. That means being aware of the type of snow you have, how to properly lift if you’re shoveling, and the best way to go about snow removal if you’re using a snow plow or snow blower. This winter, be smart about snow removal and dig out the correct way.
PROPER WAY TO SHOVE
You've heard it before: lift with the legs, not with the back. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, nearly 17,000 people are treated in emergency rooms each year for injuries sustained while shoveling or removing ice. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00060
Keeping your back from suffering injury is possible if you do some stretches before shoveling and lift the right way. If possible, it’s better to push the snow off to one side instead of lifting it directly. If you must lift, make sure you’re bending at the hips, and not using your lower back. Jut your chest outward and bend with your knees, keeping your back straight. Hold the snow shovel as close to the blade end as possible with the other one grasping the handle. Instead of twisting to dump the snow, turn your whole body and then dump the load. To maintain your center of gravity, keep the shovel close to your body and avoid throwing the snow off to the side, which can strain the lower back, advises. Source: http://www.spine-health.com/wellness/ergonomics/snow-shoveling-techniques-prevent-low-back-injuries
SNOW BLOWER SAFETY
Snow blowers have made snow removal so much easier. Clearing your driveway now takes a fraction of the time it used to when you were armed with just a shovel. However, a snow blower comes with its own safety rules. You’re probably already aware you should never stick your finger into the machine to clear out an obstruction, but we’ll tell you the stats anyway: finger injuries and amputations made up half of the 3,300 ER visits in 2012 related to the use of a snow blower, according to Consumer Reports. Source: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2013/12/common-sense-tips-for-safer-snow-blowing/index.htm
Snow blowers have made snow removal so much easier. Clearing your driveway now takes a fraction of the time it used to when you were armed with just a shovel. However, a snow blower comes with its own safety rules. You’re probably already aware you should never stick your finger into the machine to clear out an obstruction, but we’ll tell you the stats anyway: finger injuries and amputations made up half of the 3,300 ER visits in 2012 related to the use of a snow blower, according to Consumer Reports. Source: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2013/12/common-sense-tips-for-safer-snow-blowing/index.htm
Before heading out to clear snow with a snow blower, make sure you wear proper clothing. It’s safer to wear tight fitting clothing, rather than loose pants, scarves, jackets, and hats that dangle at the side. Protect your ears from the noise with ear plugs or muffs to avoid hearing loss and cold exposure. Keep kids and pets far away from snow blowing machines at all times. Push the machine slowly and walk in straight, back and forth lines. If a blockage occurs, shut the engine off before inspecting what the problem could be.
SAFE SNOW PLOW OPERATION
If you own a snow plow and are providing community plow services, there are many safety tips to keep in mind as well. Never plow going faster than 14 MPH, always keep the blade toward the curb when not in use, check the temperature gauge regularly to ensure the engine’s not overheating, and always check for hidden obstacles, such as shrubs, mail boxes, fences, fire hydrants and speed bumps before using snow plows.
If you own a snow plow and are providing community plow services, there are many safety tips to keep in mind as well. Never plow going faster than 14 MPH, always keep the blade toward the curb when not in use, check the temperature gauge regularly to ensure the engine’s not overheating, and always check for hidden obstacles, such as shrubs, mail boxes, fences, fire hydrants and speed bumps before using snow plows.
Following these safe snow removal tips will help keep you and your family safe during this brutal winter season. Stay warm, stay safe, and happy plowing.!!!
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