Snow Shoveling Safety

You’ve probably never considered that something like “in memory of our loving relative, who perished while shoveling snow” could appear in your obituary. Think again, though, because about 100 people in the United States will die as they try to clear their sidewalks and driveway of snow. Yes, every single year.

If you thought those deaths would primarily be related to falls, you’ll again be surprised. Snow shoveling deaths are mostly due to cardiac causes. Equally shocking is the fact that far from everyone who engages in the kind of snow shoveling that ultimately proves to be fatal has heart disease or even heart disease risk factors.

Why is snow shoveling so dangerous, and what do you need to know to avoid falling victim to this apparently potentially deadly chore?

Why can shoveling snow induce a heart attack?

Snow shoveling has been linked to heart attacks for two reasons. One is preventable, while the other isn’t.

When snow starts falling and that yard simply has to be cleared, a great deal of otherwise incredibly sedentary folks brave the weather and engage in what, for them, amounts to insane amounts of physical exertion that stresses their cardiovascular system greatly.

Combined with the quite obviously rather cold temperatures associated with snowy weather, which can make your blood pressure and heart rate shoot up rapidly, a potentially fatal cascade that can result in a heart attack ensues.

Though the over 40 crowd who likes a beer and a smoke should be especially careful, even perfectly young and healthy people need to be careful.

How to avoid a heart attack — and other complications — while shoveling snow

You can reduce your risk of a heart attack while shoveling snow, or in any other situation, by leading an active and healthy lifestyle, of which eating a nutritious diet is a part, and smoking very much isn’t.

That’s a year-round effort that won’t help you very much if your property is currently covered in snow and ice. No matter who you are and what your fitness level is try these snow shoveling tips:

• Warming up with stretching exercises and a little light jogging in place before you get out there.
• Avoid shoveling snow on a full stomach, and if you do smoke, don’t do it right before or after, and definitely not while shoveling snow. Don’t drink and shovel.
• Start as soon as possible, because fresh snow is easier and safer to shovel than older heavy snow that’s had a chance to compress.
• Try to make sure you push all the snow to a central location, rather than lifting it with your shovel. If you think you have to lift, lift only a little at a time.
• Bend your knees and lift with your legs. The lifting power is in your legs; don’t make your back do all the work.
• Take breaks often and drink plenty of water. Don’t get out of breath.

Though heart attacks might be the worst danger associated with snow shoveling, you don’t want to do your back in or have a serious fall, either. Wear slip-proof boots if you have them, and sprinkle your lawn with sand or salt. If you need a reminder, watch a video about how to safely lift heavy objects.

Of course, go inside at the first sign of chest pain or shortness of breath, and don’t be afraid to call the emergency services.

For more snow shoveling safety reading, visit the National Safety Council website. 

Goodfellas Enterprises LLC

Serving both commercial and residential customers in Bellevue, Papillion, Omaha, and the surrounding communities. We are equipped to service various property sizes.