Dangers of Snow Shoveling — And How to Protect Yourself

There are many dangers to snow shovelling; read more to learn hot to protect yourself. Like it or not, winter is still here. The snow may look beautiful, but it’s sure annoying when you’re in a hurry to leave home. For more information reach out to a personal injury lawyer. It’s also dangerous; in 2015, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that 158,000 people visited emergency rooms or clinics due to injuries related to manual snow removal. Don’t be another statistic; follow these simple tips to stay safe:

Invest in a Snow Blower

The simplest solution to the hassles and dangerous of shoveling? A quality snow blower. This is a particularly valuable investment if you suffer arthritis or have previously injured your back.

Choose the Right Shovel

If you’re not willing to shell out for a snow blower, at least invest in a shovel suited to your height and strength. Don’t be too ambitious; if you’re not currently at peak strength, you’ll want to avoid heavy or long shovels.

Start Early

Check local weather forecasts to determine the anticipated snowfall. If experts predict over four inches, plan to shovel in shifts. You’ll find it far easier to clear an inch of snow at a time than to tackle it all at once.

Use Your Legs, Not Your Back

If you’re like many snow shovelers, you bend at the waist every time you transfer a shovel’s worth of snow from the driveway to that ever-growing pile. This is the worst possible shoveling technique, as it strains your back. Instead, bend your knees and rely on the strength in your legs.

If you’ve been injured due to an uncleared sidewalk or other form of winter negligence, you owe it to yourself to seek legal recourse. Regan Zambri Long PLLC can provide valuable support as you seek damages; reach out today to learn more about our personal injury services. Reach out to a DC personal injury lawyer.