Safety Advice for Snow Shovelling

Are you shovel worthy? Shovelling snow can create some health problems such as straining your heart and back. If you’re older, overweight or have a history of back or heart problems, you should avoid it altogether and delegate it to someone else like ONECONTACT. 

Warm up and stretch. Before you begin shovelling, do warm-up stretches to loosen up the muscles and prepare them for the job. Also, stretching will make your arms and legs less achy and painful after.

Lighten the load with the right shovel. A snow shovel should be lightweight, about 1.5 kg or a little over 3 lbs, and the blade shouldn’t be too large. The handle should be long enough so you don’t have to stoop and the grip should be made of plastic or wood. As a general guideline, the shovel (blade plus handle) should be elbow height when standing upright. If not the right size of shovel, you will have trouble shovelling properly and have pains in your body.

Layer up. Wear several layers of warm lightweight clothing that’s easy and comfortable to move in. Also, wearing layers will allow you to take off clothing when warm, if you get cold, it will take longer to warm up. 

Pace yourself. You may want to get the job over with as fast as you can, but it’s better to work at a steady pace. A recommended rate for continuous shovelling is around 15 scoops per minute. 

Push – don’t lift. Push the snow rather than lift it. If you must throw it, take only as much snow as you can easily lift. And remember, the wetter the snow, the heavier it is. Consider pushing the snow instead of lifting. Plus, you will save more energy and shovel for longer periods of time.

Face it, don’t twist. Turn your feet in the direction you’re throwing, don’t twist at the waist. Do not throw the snow over your shoulder or to the side. 

Rest and recharge. Take frequent breaks and drink warm non-alcoholic fluids. In extreme conditions, such as very old and windy weather, 15 minutes of shovelling should be followed by 15 minutes of rest.