How to Avoid Injury While Shovelling Snow
Here’s how to prevent injury while you clear your driveway and sidewalk this winter
It looks like you’re using an older browser. For the best experience, please use Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox.
Here’s how to prevent injury while you clear your driveway and sidewalk this winter
What’s that list of life’s certainties again? Death, taxes and, oh yeah, snow during a Canadian winter. A thick layer of the white stuff makes for a pretty scene but also treacherous walking. Which is why, in most municipalities, homeowners and occupants must remove snow and ice from sidewalks, paths and driveways on or near their property following a snowfall.* Though few of us relish the task, shovelling snow is easier and safer if you use the right gear and correct technique.
Wear layers to keep you warm and dry, but avoid bulking up so much that you restrict your range of movement. Go with the basics of a hat, gloves with enough padding to prevent blisters and sturdy boots with good tread.
Shovelling is exercise, so it’s important to warm up to the task. Take a walk around the block, and then do some light stretches, focusing on your arms, legs and back.
The handle should be ergonomically curved and long enough that you don’t have to bend much while using it. And favour a smaller blade size: pushing and lifting lighter loads reduces your chance of injury. Spray the blade with silicon lubricant to prevent snow from sticking to it.
Protect against a nasty fall by spreading salt or sand on any slippery spots that you may have to traverse or stand on while shovelling.
Push snow as far to the edge of the driveway as possible before you have to lift it into a pile. Keep your back straight as you push. Periodically switch between shovelling right- and left-handed to avoid a one-sided workout.
Stand with feet shoulder width apart, bend at the knees and scoop up small-to-medium amounts of snow. Keep the shovel blade close to you to minimize back strain. Try not to twist your body when lifting and heaving snow.
In frigid temperatures, moisture is being rapidly pulled from your body, but you may not notice the signs of dehydration. Allow yourself the occasional break for a drink of water or hot cocoa.
Deeper—and especially wetter—snow means heavier loads. Instead of shovelling it all at once, skim half off the top, then do a second pass for the rest.
If space allows, throw snow farther from your driveway at the start of the job, then dump it progressively closer. As you grow more tired from shovelling, you’ll have a shorter distance to heave the snow.
Need a new shovel? Shop online through CAA’s eStore to earn 2% in CAA Dollars® from Rona or Home Depot. If you’re looking for a snow blower, visit Troy-Bilt or Cub Cadet online through CAA’s eStore, where CAA Members can earn 10% in CAA Dollars®. And if you need a hand shovelling, CAA Members get 10% off on snow removal services from Yardly. Visit CAA for details.
*Check your community’s bylaws to find out about specific snow-clearing requirements.
Image Credit: iStock.com/goldyrocks