-- In 2006, more than 31,000 people were treated in hospital emergency
rooms, doctors' offices, clinics and other medical settings for injuries
sustained while shoveling or otherwise removing ice and snow manually.
-- More than 5,000 were injured using snowblowers.
-- Types of injuries can include sprains and strains, particularly in the
back and shoulders, as well as lacerations and finger amputations.
"People tend to think of snow removal as just another household task, but
it really involves a lot of bending and heavy lifting," says Glen D.
Shapiro, MD, orthopaedic surgeon and Fellow of the AAOS. "It can be
especially dangerous for people who do not regularly exercise, as their
bodies are not prepared for that level of activity."
The Academy offers the following strategies to prevent injuries while
shoveling and using a snowblower:
-- Check with your doctor. Because this activity places high stress on
the heart, speak with your physician first. If you have a medical condition
or do not exercise regularly, consider hiring someone to remove the snow.
-- Dress appropriately. Light, layered, water-repellent clothing provides
both ventilation and insulation. It is also important to wear the
appropriate head coverings, as well as mittens or gloves and thick, warm
socks. Take a break if you feel yourself getting too hot or too cold.
-- See what you are shoveling/snow blowing. Make sure that your hat or
scarf does not block your vision. Watch for ice patches and uneven
surfaces. Avoid falls by wearing shoes or boots that have slip-resistant
soles.
-- Clear snow early and often. Begin when a light covering of snow is on
the ground to avoid trying to clear packed, heavy snow.
Shoveling:
-- Warm up your muscles. Shoveling can be a vigorous activity. Before you
begin, warm up your muscles for 10 minutes with light exercise. Be sure to
include your leg muscles -- heart attacks and similar injuries are
sometimes the result of working the smaller muscles of your arms and back
while not using the large muscle groups of the legs.
-- Pace yourself. Take frequent breaks and replenish fluids to prevent
dehydration. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath or other
signs of a heart attack, seek emergency care, such as by calling 9-1-1.
-- Use a shovel that is comfortable for your height and strength. Do not
use a shovel that is too heavy or too long for you. Consider buying a
shovel that is specially designed to prevent too much stooping. Space your
hands on the tool grip to increase your leverage.
-- Push the snow instead of lifting it, as much as you can. If you must
lift, take small amounts of snow, and lift it with your legs: Squat with
your legs apart, knees bent and back straight. Lift by straightening your
legs, without bending at the waist. Then walk to where you want to dump the
snow; holding a shovelful of snow with your arms outstretched puts too much
weight on your spine.
-- Do not throw the snow over your shoulder or to the side. This requires
a twisting motion that stresses your back.
Snowblowing:
-- Never stick your hands in the snow blower! If snow becomes too
impacted, stop the engine and wait at least five seconds. Use a solid
object to clear wet snow or debris from the chute. Beware of the recoil of
the motor and blades after the machine has been turned off.
-- Do not leave the snow blower unattended when it is running. Shut off
the engine if you must walk away from the machine.
-- Watch the snow blower cord. If you are operating an electric snow
blower, be aware of where the power cord is at all times.
-- Add fuel before starting the snow blower. Never add fuel when the
engine is running or hot. Do not operate the machine in an enclosed area.
-- Read the instruction manual. Prior to using a snow blower, read the
instruction manual for specific safety hazards, unfamiliar features, and
whenever attempting to repair or maintain the snow blower.
More tips on snow shoveling safety
About
AAOS
To view this release online, go to:
www.pwrnewmedia.com/2007/aaos120607/index.html
Contact Information: For more information, contact: Lauren Pearson 847/384-4031 Catherine Dolf 847/384-4034