Snow Shoveling Safety Tips

Shoveling snow can be risky for some people, especially if you’re are out of shape. People who have medical conditions such as back injuries, heart disease or high blood pressure should check with their physicians before considering shoveling snow. Snow can be deceptively heavier than it looks, shoveling snow is like weight lifting. Here are a few tips to get the job done more safely.

• Be sure you are well hydrated.
• Stretch and warm up your muscles before you start.
• Dress in layers. Shoveling snow can warm you up quickly.
• Try to push the snow instead of lifting it.
• Don’t lift with your back, instead lift with your legs by bending your knees and keeping your back straight.
• Don’t bend or twist at the waist but face the direction you are throwing snow.
• Don’t go too fast or heavy, shovel small loads of at a time. If the snow is deep then take the snow off in levels of a few inches at a time.
• Don’t smoke or drink caffeine before or during shoveling as these are stimulants
• Don’t drink alcohol.
• Use a lighter plastic shovel.
• Don’t over exert yourself, take a some rest breaks.
• Quit shoveling if you experience shortness of breath, you have heavy sweating or have pain of any kind.

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