Tips to prevent injuries while shoveling

Jan 7 2010

Snow shoveling tends to be an unpleasant task—this mundane seasonal chore combines heavy lifting and cold weather, resulting in possible injuries to the back, shoulder muscles if shovelers do not take the proper precautions. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has recommendations to help you stay safe while clearing snow so you can still have some winter fun.

According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission:

•In 2008, more than 70,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms, doctors' offices, clinics and other medical settings for injuries sustained while shoveling or otherwise removing ice and snow manually.
•In that same year, more than 14,000 were injured using snowblowers.
•Types of injuries can include sprains and strains, particularly in the back and shoulders, as well as lacerations and finger amputations.

"Shoveling the snow involves a lot of bending and heavy lifting, particularly in wet snow," says Michael F. Schafer, MD, orthopaedic surgeon and spokesperson for the AAOS. "It may be especially vigorous for people who do not regularly exercise, as their backs, shoulder and arm muscles may not be prepared for that level of activity." Dr. Schafer adds, "if you feel any pain while shoveling, stop and rest."

The Academy offers the following tips to prevent injuries while shoveling and using a snowblower:

•Check with your doctor. Because this activity places high stress on the heart, speak with your physician first. If you have a medical condition or do not exercise regularly, consider hiring someone to remove the snow.
•Dress appropriately. Light, layered, water-repellent clothing provides both ventilation and insulation. It is also important to wear the appropriate head coverings, as well as mittens or gloves and thick, warm socks. Take a break if you feel yourself getting too hot or too cold.
•See what you are shoveling/snow blowing. Make sure that your hat or scarf does not block your vision. Watch for ice patches and uneven surfaces. Avoid falls by wearing shoes or boots that have slip-resistant soles.
•Clear snow early and often. Begin when a light covering of snow is on the ground to avoid trying to clear packed, heavy snow.

Shoveling:
•Warm up your muscles. Shoveling can be a vigorous activity. Before you begin, warm up your muscles for 10 minutes with light exercise. Be sure to include your leg muscles—heart attacks and similar injuries are sometimes the result of working the smaller muscles of your arms and back while not using the large muscle groups of the legs.
•Pace yourself. Take frequent breaks and replenish fluids to prevent dehydration. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath or other signs of a heart attack, seek emergency care, such as by calling 9-1-1.
•Use a shovel that is comfortable for your height and strength. Do not use a shovel that is too heavy or too long for you. Consider buying a shovel that is specially designed to prevent too much stooping. Space your hands on the tool grip to increase your leverage.
•Push the snow instead of lifting it, as much as you can. If you must lift, take small amounts of snow, and lift it with your legs: Squat with your legs apart, knees bent and back straight. Lift by straightening your legs, without bending at the waist. Then walk to where you want to dump the snow; holding a shovelful of snow with your arms outstretched puts too much weight on your spine.
•Do not throw the snow over your shoulder or to the side. This requires a twisting motion that stresses your back.

Dr. Schafer continued, "if operating a snow blower, people should keep their hands and feet away from the undersurface of the blower and parents should exercise caution in allowing children to use this robust machine."

Snowblowing:
•Never stick your hands or feet in the snow blower! If snow becomes too impacted, stop the engine and wait at least five seconds. Use a solid object to clear wet snow or debris from the chute. Beware of the recoil of the motor and blades after the machine has been turned off.
•Do not leave the snow blower unattended when it is running. Shut off the engine if you must walk away from the machine.
•Watch the snow blower cord. If you are operating an electric snow blower, be aware of where the power cord is at all times, so you do not trip and fall.
•Add fuel before starting the snow blower. Never add fuel when the engine is running or hot. Do not operate the machine in an enclosed area.
•Read the instruction manual. Prior to using a snow blower, read the instruction manual for specific safety hazards, unfamiliar features, and whenever attempting to repair or maintain the snow blower.