At-Home Safety: Snowblowers Cause Hundreds of Finger Amputations Each Winter

Dec. 23, 2010
It's the peak season for snowstorms, which mean snowblowers are working overtime. Unfortunately, that can add up to a dangerous situation

It's the peak season for snowstorms, which mean snowblowers are working overtime. Unfortunately, that can add up to a dangerous situation.

Loyola University Health System hand surgeon Dr. Randy Bindra warns that snowblowers can cause severe hand injuries, including loss of fingers that can require one or more surgeries and months of rehabilitation.

“Every winter, we get three or four cases,” he said.

Bindra adds that a government safety agency says snowblowers cause hundreds of finger amputations each winter. Newer snowblowers have a kill switch that stops the machine if the operator tries to clear snow or debris. But many older models still in use lack this safety feature, Bindra said.

Safety experts advise:

  • Never put your hand down the chute or around the blades of a snowblower.
  • Use a stick or broom handle to clear impacted snow.
  • Keep all shields in place and keep hands and feet away from moving parts.

Bindra is a specialist in hand problems, pediatric hand problems and wrist problems. He is director of Loyola's Hand Surgery fellowship Program and a professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation at Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine.

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!