Three Techniques To Avoid Injuries While Clearing Snow

By Audie Bean On Oct 21, 2021

Whether shoveling your driveway, passing the snowblower, or removing snow from your roof, it is essential to use the proper snow removal techniques to avoid injuries. Here’s what you need to know

Use Your Snow Shovel Properly

Each year, too many people are injured or put their health at risk by shoveling the wrong way. Use the following tips to stay out of the stats:

Avoid letting snow accumulate (shovel as you go);
Take the time to do some stretching before shoveling;
Opt for a light shovel;
Do not lift big shovels (you have to push the snow instead);
Use your knees (bend them), legs, and arms to push the snow, and always keep your back straight. Avoid turning the body suddenly;
Don’t hesitate to take breaks as needed. Take the opportunity to move the different parts of your body;
Listen to the signals your body is giving you. If it hurts, stop shoveling. See a professional if pain persists for more than a day.

Remember to tackle the ice, which increases the risk of falling. To do this, use de-icing products.

Pass The Snowblower On A Slope

Even if the snowblower makes your life easier and saves you time, it is still necessary to use a good snow removal technique.

When driving the snowblower down a slope, clear the snow from top to bottom;
Never pass the snowblower aside;
Avoid clearing too steep slopes.

Clear Snow From The Roof

Not all roofs need snow removal, as some of them have a steep enough slope to allow snow to fall on its own. However, most flat roofs are built to support a maximum of 38cm of hardened snow or 70cm of freshly fallen snow.

To avoid injuring yourself or damaging your roof, it is necessary to choose the proper snow removal technique:

Plant your ladder in a snowbank to make it more solid;
Secure yourself to a strong anchor point with a harness;
Use a plastic shovel so as not to damage your roof;
Do not remove all the snow to avoid damaging the roof. Only remove the overload and leave a layer of 10 to 15cm;
Go down regularly to shovel the snow you throw from the roof because it will be difficult to remove if the accumulation is too large.

Here is! Now that you know the proper snow removal techniques, you can face winter without worrying about injury or visit website.