Holiday Safety: Tip No. 13

Dec. 17, 1999
How to avoid serious injury when shoveling snow this winter.

If you plan to clear your walkways and driveways of snow so guests can easily get to your holiday party, consider the dangers. Snow may look puffy and light, but anyone who has shoveled will tell you that it's hard work.

Some experts say that shoveling snow is as strenuous as running nine miles an hour. Any exercise that strenuous can put a strain on your body.

While snow shoveling may never be fun, The Physician and Sports Medicine guide offers these tips to help you to do it safely.

  • Warm up your muscles. Do a few stretching exercises so that the work doesn't come as a shock to your system.
  • Clear snow when it stops falling. Freshly fallen snow that has melted slightly and become more heavy and dense.
  • Bend at the knee as you scoop the snow to reduce strain on your back and heart.
  • Avoid twisting and bending your body as you shovel.
  • Push snow out of the way when possible. It's less strenuous to push snow than to throw it with a shovel.
  • Do not eat, drink or smoke before shoveling. All of these put strain on your heart.

Sponsored Recommendations

3 Essential Elements for a Strong Safety Culture

March 13, 2024
Organizations globally have increased their attention on safety culture: trying to figure out what it really is and the aspects that are necessary to develop and sustain it. And...

Making the Case for Occupational Health Software

March 13, 2024
Deciding to invest in Occupational Health (OH) software can be a challenging leap for many organizations. This article will equip businesses with insightful strategies for effectively...

Fighting the Flu: Solutions for the Workplace

March 13, 2024
Seasonal flu continues to wreak considerable havoc both on individual wellness, as well as on our business continuity and productivity. Explore these solutions for protecting ...

Preventing SIFs with Digitization: Reduce Serious Injuries and Fatalities with Technology

March 13, 2024
This eBook discusses the origins of SIF prevention, outlines principles, models and tools available to EHS leaders to better detect and address SIF potential in their business...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!