Clearing your driveway of snow is no easy feat – Here’s how to stay safe.
Winter can be a beautiful playground. There’s nothing quite like the first snowfall that holds the possibility of snow days, snowman-building, and skating on the pond. But, unfortunately, winter also means shoveling snow. It’s not uncommon for people to injure themselves by shoveling snow due to the repetitive activity that causes muscle strain to the lower back and shoulders.
Check out these tips to help you stay safe and avoid hurting yourself this season.
Be Comfortable
- Stretch before you head outside to warm up your muscles and loosen them.
- Dress in warm layers.
- Take regular breaks and go inside to warm up for a few minutes.
- Wax the shovel blade to prevent snow from sticking to it.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Shovel Safely
- Stand with feet at hip width apart for balance.
- Hold the shovel close to your body to reduce straining your bank.
- Space your hand placement on the shovel apart to increase leverage.
- Alternate between shoveling with your right hand and then left hand so that you’re working different muscles.
- Bend from your knees – not your back!
- Avoid twisting your torso while lifting.
- Walk to dump snow rather than throwing it.
Remember to take it slow in the snow. Work at a safe pace to help avoid injury. Working too fast may cause you to slip and fall more often or tire quickly.
While you may not be able to protect your drive to work in the snow, you safeguard your vehicle and home! For all of your insurance policies in Bristol and surrounding cities in Connecticut,
contact C.V. Mason Insurance Agency.
