The American Academy
of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) makes several recommendations to help you stay
safe while clearing snow.
·
Check with your doctor. Because this activity
places high stress on the heart, speak with your physician first. 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. Take a break if you feel yourself getting too hot or too
cold.
·
See what you are shoveling/snow blowing. Make sure that your
hat or scarf does not block your vision. Watch for ice patches and uneven
surfaces. Avoid falls by wearing shoes or boots that have slip-resistant soles.
·
Clear snow early and often. Begin when a light
covering of snow is on the ground to avoid trying to clear packed, heavy snow.
When shoveling:
·
Warm up your muscles. Shoveling can be a
vigorous activity. Before you begin, warm up your muscles for 10 minutes with
light exercise.
·
Pace yourself. Take frequent breaks
and replenish fluids to prevent dehydration. If you experience chest pain,
shortness of breath or other signs of a heart attack, seek emergency care.
·
Use a shovel that is comfortable for
your height and strength. Do not use a shovel that is too heavy or too long for
you. Consider buying a shovel that is specially designed to prevent too much
stooping. Space your hands on the tool grip to increase your leverage.
·
When possible, push the snow instead of
lifting it. If you must lift, take small amounts of snow, and lift it with
your legs: Squat with your legs apart, knees bent and back straight. Lift by
straightening your legs, without bending at the waist. Then walk to where you
want to dump the snow; holding a shovelful of snow with your arms outstretched
puts too much weight on your spine.
·
Do not throw the snow over your
shoulder or to the side. This requires a twisting motion that stresses your back.
When snowblowing:
·
Never stick your hands or feet in the
snow blower. If snow becomes too impacted, stop the engine and wait at least
five 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.
·
Watch the snow blower cord. If you are operating
an electric snow blower, be aware of where the power cord is at all times, so
you do not trip and fall.
·
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.
·
Read the instruction manual. Prior to using a snow
blower, read the instruction manual for specific safety hazards, unfamiliar
features, and whenever attempting to repair or maintain the snow blower
