Those who live in snowy climates know that every snowfall means putting on layers, braving the cold, and heading outside to clear the walkway of snow. Few find shoveling snow enjoyable, but avoiding the task and allowing ice to accumulate only makes the job more difficult. Clearing snowfall may never be fun, but by following a few key snow shoveling tips and techniques you can reduce some of the difficulty and protect yourself from injury. Having these guidelines in mind before the first snowfall can take some of the drudgery out of your winter.
1. Pick the Right Shovel
Using the appropriate shovel for your strength, the amount of snow you will need to relocate, and the size of the area to be shoveled can make the job less tiresome and prevent you from injuring yourself. First of all, don’t go overboard on the size of the shovel. While some assume that a larger shovelhead will allow them to work more efficiently, shovelfuls that are too large will both slow you down and strain your back. Rather, select a moderately sized shovel.
Snow shovels are also available in several different materials. Highly durable and strong, steel shovels will last for many years and are sturdy enough to break through packed down snow and ice. Steel, however, weighs a lot and can be more tiring to use. Plastic shovels are much lighter than steel, making them easier to maneuver. Repeated scraping against the ground, however, will cause the edges of a plastic shovel to wear down, decreasing the tool’s lifespan. Additionally, plastic does not easily break through ice. Finally, aluminum shovels demonstrate more strength than plastic and weigh less than steel. If an edge gets stuck on a stubborn piece of ice, though, aluminum can bend and be difficult to repair. All types of snow shovels have their pros and cons, so you just need to decide which one is best for your needs.
2. Remove Snow Promptly and Easily
The longer you wait to shovel snow, the more cumbersome the job will become. By attending to the task promptly, you will avoid having to move massive amounts of snow. Waiting too long also allows the snow to melt and freeze, making the process of shoveling both difficult and dangerous. You do not have to wait for the storm to finish before shoveling. Clearing snow periodically as it accumulates will ultimately reduce your workload and help you steer clear of injury or over-exertion. Breaking up the task into several phases usually proves to be the best strategy.
3. Choose Pushing Over Lifting When You Can
When shoveling snow, it always requires less physical exertion to push rather than to lift and move shovelfuls. For areas like walkways and driveways, you can use a snow pusher to simply move snow to the edges while clearing the space. Tools designed for snow pushing tend to be quite wide and can allow you to clear a space quickly. Pushers do not work well, however, in situations where you may need to lift snow over a bank or elevate it onto a pile.
4. Take Care of Your Back
Shoveling snow causes tens of thousands of back, shoulder, and neck injuries every year. Common snow-related injuries include strained and pulled muscles in the lower back and herniated disks. Snow shoveling is an intense aerobic activity, and should be treated like exercise. The following guidelines can help keep your back healthy and prevent injury.
- Don’t go out cold into the cold. Before heading outside, make sure your body is warmed up. Do some light stretching and core exercises to loosen up and prepare your muscles.
- Use correct technique. If you have to lift the snow, bend from your knees rather than your waist. Avoid twisting your body, as this can quickly cause injury.
- Give yourself breaks. Do not try to do all of the shoveling at once, especially if you are out of shape or have suffered from back issues in the past. Work until you feel exerted, and then rest for a few minutes.
- Consider ergonomic tools. Shovels with bent shafts are specifically designed to ease the strain on your back and give you a better angle.
- Wear proper shoes. Poor traction forces you to work much harder and can lead to injury if you slip and fall. Make sure you wear appropriate winter footwear with treads.
5. Don’t Move the Same Snow Twice
You may be inclined to push all the snow from your driveway into a few piles at the edge. This may work temporarily, but gusts of wind or additional snowfall will blow and push the snow back into the clear area, meaning you will have to shovel it again. As the piles gather snow, you will have to lift your shovel higher or push more forcefully. Furthermore, having concentrated piles on the boundary of your driveway means that you won’t have space to put snow the next time you have to shovel. By depositing snow slightly away from the edge of your driveway and spreading it out, you can save yourself extra work later.
6. Know Your Limits
Snow shoveling should be respected just like any other intensive cardiovascular activity. In some cases, the cold weather and physical exertion can lead to heart attacks and emergency room visits. If for any reason you do not feel physically capable of completing the task, it is worth finding an alternative.
Many companies provide snow clearing and shoveling services and will come to your home on short notice. You could also hire a neighborhood teenager or entreat a son or daughter to help you with the job. Other individuals elect to purchase a snow blower. Although expensive, snow blowers can be very effective and efficient when used correctly and promptly after a storm. When dealing with snow on your driveway and walkway, preserving your own safety and health should be the ultimate priority.
By planning ahead, taking care of your body, and adhering to these snow shoveling tips, you can take some of the pain out of shoveling snow. Clearing your driveway and walkway helps keep you, your family, and your guests safe during the winter season. As winter approaches, make sure you have the right tools, understand your physical capabilities, and have a plan for shoveling snow.
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