These Snow Shoveling Tips Might Save Your Life (VIDEOS)

Looking for an excuse to postpone snow shoveling? Here’s a good one: Every time that you go out to shovel snow, you’re risking your life.

Staff at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in New Jersey want anyone wielding a shovel or pushing a snowblower this week to remember that some simple steps can help to minimize the risk of injury that they face when waging war against the white stuff.

“While shoveling snow burns 400 to 600 calories per hour, the equivalent of vigorous exercise, proper posture and getting out there early will prevent injury,” said Eric Wasserman, chairman and medical director of emergency medicine at Newark Beth Israel.

Unwary shovelers are risking more than just injury, according to reports. In January, a pregnant Pennsylvania teen died after shoveling snow during the blizzard, her family told reporters. The baby did not survive.

Her family said that the teen — who reportedly suffered from several heart defects — insisted on shoveling even though they tried to tell her to stay inside.

• See related article: Pregnant Pottstown Teen Dies After Shoveling Snow, Family Says

In February, a doorman at an Upper East Side building in New York City died after slipping through a lobby window while shoveling snow, officials said.

"Very, very sad situation, and we don't obviously have all the details, but it's another reminder [for] people be very careful while shoveling," Mayor Bill de Blasio said during a press conference.

• See related article: Upper East Side Doorman Dies While Shoveling Snow

In February of 2015, 10 Illinois residents died while shoveling snow during a heavy winter storm. One resident was in his 40s and three were in their 50s. The remaining six residents were in their 60s, authorities said.

• See related article: 10 Cook County Residents Die Shoveling Snow, Medical Examiner Says

Read about some other possible snow shoveling-related deaths below.

• See related article: 3 Deaths After Snow Shoveling, Police Say
• See related article: Smithtown Man, 94, Dies After Using Snow Blower
• See related article: Huntington Station Woman, 75, Dies After Shoveling Snow

KEEPING SAFE WHILE SHOVELING

According to staff at the Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, show shovelers might want to keep the following safety tips in mind.

• Dress appropriately, including boots with good treads. No exposed body surfaces – hats that cover ears, gloves, scarves, protection of the face (and eyes) is a must.
• Develop a plan to minimize time spent in the elements – are you going to dig out your car, remove snow from the roof or clear the driveway first?
• Start early in the day – fresh snow weighs less than older or more compacted snow.
• Bring the right tools – a sturdy shovel and heavy-duty snowbrush with long or ergonomic handles to minimize the risk of injury from bending or reaching.
• Enlist a partner to work with you and make the job go faster, or work in shifts.
• Be well rested and well hydrated – it is easy to overheat and become exhausted even in frigid conditions.
• Light stretching or a warm-up before tackling the snow, especially if you do not exercise regularly, can make a big difference.
• Take frequent breaks in a warm environment – clearing snow from a big storm is more of a marathon than a sprint.
• Pushing snow rather than lifting it can prevent injuries to the back, shoulders and arms.
• If you must lift and toss the snow, maintain good posture and let the legs do the work. Toss the snow in front of you rather than over your shoulder. Maintain firm footing at all times to avoid slip and fall injuries. Consider spreading salt or sand to help.
• When you feel tired, take a break. If you feel pain, stop.
• Remove wet clothing as needed to keep skin warm and dry.
• When using a snowblower, never, ever attempt to clear the blades by hand. Remain on the operator side of the blower at all times. Wear eye protection or goggles if blowing over gravel or unpaved surfaces.

According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):

“Shoveling snow can be a strenuous activity, particularly because cold weather can be tasking on the body. There is a potential for exhaustion, dehydration, back injuries, or heart attacks. During snow removal in addition to following the tips for avoiding cold stress, such as taking frequent breaks in warm areas, there are other precautions workers can take to avoid injuries. Workers should warm-up before the activity, scoop small amounts of snow at a time and where possible, push the snow instead of lifting it. The use of proper lifting technique is necessary to avoid back and other injuries when shoveling snow: keep the back straight, lift with the legs and do not turn or twist the body.”

OSHA has this to say about snowblower safety:

“It’s important to make sure that powered equipment, such as snow blowers are properly grounded to protect workers from electric shocks or electrocutions. When performing maintenance or cleaning, make sure the equipment is properly guarded and is disconnected from power sources… Snow blowers commonly cause lacerations or amputations when operators attempt to clear jams with the equipment turned on. Never attempt to clear a jam by hand. First, turn the snow blower off and wait for all moving parts to stop, and then use a long stick to clear wet snow or debris from the machine. Keep your hands and feet away from moving parts. Refuel a snow blower prior to starting the machine; do not add fuel when the equipment is running or when the engine is hot.”

• See related article: Could Robot Snowblowers Mean The End Of Winter Shoveling? [VIDEOS]

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