5 Tips for Proper Snow Shoveling

While not the most popular job with your snow crews, shoveling is still one of the best ways to clear walkways and sidewalks in front of residential and commercial properties.

However, snow shoveling is one physical activity that, if done incorrectly, can cause major health problems.

 The Occupational Safety & Health Administration offers some snow shoveling tips you should review with your snow removal crews to ensure that everyone has a productive and safe winter season.

• Dress for the occasion. Wearing clothing in layers is usually best because it allows better evaporation of perspiration. Shoes, boots or overshoes should have rubber soles (not leather or hard compositions) because rubber soles reduce slipping and falling.
• Use a lightweight shovel made of aluminum that has a Teflon coating. If the shovel doesn't have a Teflon coating, rub the surface with paraffin (wax) or coat it with a silicon spray. These surface conditioners prevent snow buildup and save time and effort.
• Use a shovel of modest size. Don't try to heap the snow on the shovel. The weight of the load lifted – rather than the number of movements made – is the key to overexertion. Lightening the load reduces the strain on stomach, back and abdominal muscles. This reduces the pressure in the chest cavity and circulatory demand on heart walls.
• When lifting the shovel, use the entire body, letting the back and legs share the work. If the snow is deep, take small loads and rest often.
• Don't keep working to the point of exhaustion. Take frequent rests and go inside to warm up. Cold and overexertion are hard on the heart.