3 Techniques To Avoid Injury By Clearing Snow
Whether shoveling your driveway, passing the snowblower or plowing your roof, it's essential to use the right snow removal techniques to avoid injury. Here is what you need to know.
1. Use your snow shovel
Every year, too many people get hurt or put their health at risk by shoveling in the wrong way. Follow these tips to avoid being part of the statistics:
- Avoid letting the 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);
- Use your knees (bend them), your legs and arms to push the snow and always keep your back straight. Avoid turning the body brutally;
- Do not hesitate to take breaks as needed. Take advantage of it to move the different parts of your body;
- Listen to the signals your body throws at you. If you feel pain, stop shoveling. Consult a professional if the pain persists for more than one day.
- Do not forget to tackle the ice which increases the risk of falling. To do this, use de-icing products.
2. Run the snow blower on a slope
Even though the snow blower makes life easier and saves you time, it is still necessary to use a good snow removal technique.
- When passing the snow blower on a slope, clear the snow from top to bottom;
- Never pass the snow blower aside;
- Avoid clearing slopes that are too steep.
3. Clear the roof
Not all roofs need to be cleared because some of them have a steep slope to allow the snow to fall by itself. However, most flat roofs are built to withstand a maximum of 38 cm of hard snow or 70 cm of newly fallen snow.
- To avoid hurting yourself or damaging your roof, it is necessary to choose the right snow removal technique:
- Plant your ladder in a snowbank to make it stronger;
- Fasten to a solid anchor with a harness;
- Use a plastic shovel to avoid damaging your roof;
- Do not remove all the snow to avoid damaging the roof. Remove only the overload and leave a layer of 10 to 15cm;
- Go down regularly to shovel the snow you throw from the roof because if the accumulation is too big, it will be difficult to remove.
Here! Now that you know the right snow removal techniques, you can face the winter without fear of injury.
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