Q: My husband insists on doing all of the snow removal at our house without any help. Can you give him some advice on how to be safe when shoveling and snowblowing?
A: This is quite an important and timely question. Across the United States there are over 150,000 injuries per year related to ice/snow removal that require medical attention. This weekend alone we had quite a few here locally in Franklin County.
We should all make an effort to minimize significant injury/health problems from our snow chore duties. First, we must acknowledge that snow shoveling and operating a snowblower in extreme weather is physically taxing. If someone has health problems, including underlying heart/cardiovascular problems, they should check with their medical doctor before taking on such strenuous activity. If significant health issues do exist, it may be in their best interest to have someone else take care of the snow removal duties.
However, if one is capable of doing these activities, then here are a few things that can help to minimize injuries.
Warm up with light physical activity and stretching prior to going outside to get blood supply moving to the muscles. Dress warmly, taking particular care when covering head, hands and feet.
Plan to take breaks at regular intervals and make your clearing sessions shorter and more frequent, as opposed to one lengthy outing. Don’t forget to hydrate and replace electrolytes appropriately, which people often neglect to do because it is cold and they don’t feel thirsty.
Beware of ice that may have formed underneath snow. Be wary of slippery surfaces and wear appropriate shoes. When walking over treacherous areas, utilize your shovel or other safe instruments as a prop if necessary.
Get appropriate equipment that facilitates pushing. When lifting is necessary, utilize legs by squatting and engaging your core muscles (staying upright) and avoid bending at your back. Avoid powering or muscling the snow overhead using only the shoulders and over-twisting the back.
Operate snowblower machine only after reading instruction manual. Do not be shy to ask for help! Never start the snowblower in an enclosed area, in an effort to avoid fumes exposure. Never put your hands into the snowblower, even to clear ice or other jams.
Wear protective eyewear as needed.
Dangers above: Beware falling ice from roofs, tree branches or power lines in heavy storms.
Keep children and pets away from work area, especially when operating motorized machinery.
Have a check/buddy system: While you should always try your best to avoid injuries, sometimes accidents do happen. As a result, I recommend that you tell a family member at home, or even call a friend and tell them you will be outside working in the snow and if they do not see or hear from you within a reasonable time frame, to come looking or send alert. It is wise to keep your phone or a whistle with you in case of an accident so that you can call for help.
If you think you sustained an injury, seek appropriate medical care and have a professional or friend help you with snow chores until you are recovered.
James Bullock, MD, is a board certified orthopedic surgeon (sub-specialization in sports medicine and shoulder surgery) at BMP Valley Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine.