As the Winter Weather Season attacks your area. Snow shoveling becomes a necessity for daily life around your house and at your business. Having an smooth safe area to walk can help your family operate and allow your staff and customers to continue using your business. There are some steps that need to be taken in order to ensure you, your family and your staff stay safe when you have to shovel snow this Winter.
The following tips can help keep you safer when you set out to shovel snow this Winter:
- Warm up your body – Adequately warming up your muscles and joints before heading out to shovel snow can help prevent injuries to many parts of your body.
- Push with your legs and never with your back – Pushing the snow away from your body with bent legs will prevent you from attempting to lift too much weight with your back. When lifting snow, bend your knees and use your legs whenever possible.
- Choose your shovel wisely – Ergonomically-designed shovels can help reduce the amount of bending you have to do and the amount of weight your back has to deal with. Most hardware of home improvement stores have plenty of selection, but don’t wait until the storm is here to go looking for a shovel.
- Lighten your load – No matter what type of shovel you do choose, do not be tempted to overload the shovel with too much weight. Take your time and go slow when shoveling your house or business.
- Pace Yourself – Pace yourself and be sure to take frequent breaks. Consider taking a break after 20 to 30 minutes of shoveling, especially when the snow is wet.
- Consider shoveling multiple times – It is important to shovel as the snow is coming down and after it has stopped. It may be discouraging to shovel snow when you know that more snow is on the way, but the earlier you start attacking the snow the better.
- Dress Appropriately for the temperatures – Cold weather is no time for showing how well you deal with the weather. Dress appropriately for the conditions you face. Try to limit the amount of cotton you wear. Always wear a hat gloves and good wool socks. In cold weather; not layering properly can cause you to get sick, not just to be uncomfortable.
- Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated while shoveling. Even if you are not perspiring much and do not feel thirsty, it is still important to keep your body properly hydrated.
