Snow Shoveling

[Harrison]

In Boston, we're getting dumped on with weigh too much...er, way too much snow! Here's a helpful article for those of you that must shovel. An excerpt and the link below:

Use ergonomic lifting techniques

Whenever possible, push the snow to one side rather than lifting it. When lifting the snow shovel is necessary, make sure to use ergonomic lifting techniques:

Always face towards the object you intend to lift

Bend at the hips, not the low back, and push the chest out, pointing forward. Then, bend your knees and lift with your leg muscles, keeping your back straight

Keep your loads light and do not lift an object that is too heavy for you

If you must lift a shovel full, grip the shovel with one hand as close to the blade as comfortably possible and the other hand on the handle (handle and arm length will vary the technique)

Avoid twisting the back to move your object to its new location � always pivot your whole body to face the new direction

Keep the heaviest part of the object close to your body at your center of gravity

Walk to the new location to deposit the item rather than reaching or tossing

When gripping the shovel, keep your hands about 12 inches apart to provide greater stability and minimize the chances of injuring your low back.

i'm totaly impressed we have a snow blower here my wife told me we didnt need. its 3yrs old and she has never used it saying thats a dudes job.
last week we when down south to visit her parents in SC. and which i was sick all week and still sick.
this morning after 14 inches of snow she asked how to use it. and she snow blewed the driveway and walkways. go bev
best wishes
chuck

[Harrison]

This post is from last year, but the subject is still helpful...albeit a day late for folks in the Northeast!

[Harrison]

Just a gentle reminder, if you are blessed with excess quantities of the fluffy white stuff. I shoveled for the 2nd time this weekend....and will have to later too.

Be careful! Also see this post about some neat traction for footwear.

[treefrog]

Ah yes, snow shoveling is what started my lumbar pain in the first place (though I don't think it was the direct cause). And of course I was doing it incorrectly. Now I live in NC, I don't have to worry about snow as much.

[Sandra L]

Hey Todd,

Right on, gots to be some youngster who wants a little cash if you can't hire a professional! Or your spouse, sorry honeys.

I second "Be good to yourself" be an " "and leave the " " alone. Sandy

[keziah23]

or just spread some of that melty stuff on it like I do, and call it done

[Harrison]

Just refreshing this topic to remind people about the importance of safety in the crappy, cold weather...for us northern folks! Four inches of wet snow here in Boston, then rain.

Luckily, no complaints from me of my back after all that shoveling.

[tkdodger]

Wish I had gotten that advice years ago, then I probably wouldn't be in the condition I'm in now. I probably would have ignored it, though. I hope the rest of you reading this DON'T IGNORE IT!!! Shoveling heavy, wet snow is what aggravated my condition and led to my eventual downfall.

[Harrison]

I am refreshing this topic as a reminder for folks that have to shovel. Also not the previous topics mentioning YakTrax, a smart clip on traction webbing for any footwear.

I just found some other helpful information, along with an instructional video here.