When winter arrives—often bringing low temperatures and snowfall with it—the seasonal transition may require you to start periodically shoveling snow. Although this task is necessary to help clear pathways and prevent ice buildup, shoveling snow comes with serious safety risks.

After all, repeated shoveling requires significant physical exertion, which—when paired with the frigid outdoor elements—can take a dangerous toll on your body. That’s why it’s crucial to utilize proper precautions while you shovel snow.

Review the following guidance to learn more about the risks of shoveling snow and what you can do to protect yourself.  

The Risks of Shoveling Snow

The most prevalent risks associated with shoveling snow include:

• Sprains and strains—Because shoveling requires you to repeatedly move potentially heavy amounts of snow in an awkward position for an extended period, this task can easily cause sprains and strains if you aren’t careful. These injuries typically occur in your wrists, shoulders, back and ankles.
• Hypothermia—Working in cold weather can heighten your risk of experiencing hypothermia, which occurs when your body’s core temperature falls below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, drowsiness, shallow breathing, confusion, slurred speech, loss of coordination and unconsciousness. Severe cases of hypothermia can be fatal.
• Frostbite—Working in chilly conditions can also increase your risk of developing frostbite, which entails a freezing of the skin and its underlying tissues. Frostbite can result in stinging, numbness and blistering in the affected areas (usually your fingers, toes or face). If left untreated, frostbite can cause permanent tissue damage.
• Heart complications—If you overexert yourself while shoveling snow, the cold weather could contribute to a sharp rise in your heart rate and blood pressure, thus decreasing your overall blood supply and potentially causing a heart attack—which could be fatal.

General Best Practices

Here are some basic safety precautions to keep in mind when shoveling snow:

• Avoid shoveling immediately after eating or while smoking.
• Take a few minutes to stretch before you begin shoveling to better prepare your body for the physical demands of the task.
• Try to push the snow instead of lifting it. If you must lift snow while shoveling, use a smaller shovel or only partially fill your shovel with snow to avoid lifting too much at a time. In addition, be sure to lift with your legs rather than your back.
• Don’t overexert yourself. Pay attention to how you feel while you shovel—never work to the point of exhaustion. If you begin to feel overly fatigued, stop shoveling and inform your supervisor.
• When handling large amounts of snow, consider utilizing a snow blower rather than a shovel to avoid the extra labor. However, make sure you are properly trained to do so. Always consult your supervisor before making any equipment changes.
• Make sure you know the key signs of a heart attack (e.g., chest discomfort, shortness of breath and pain in the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach). If you start to experience these symptoms, stop shoveling and call 911 (or ask someone to call for you, if necessary).

How to Prevent Hypothermia and Frostbite

Be sure to implement these additional safety measures to prevent hypothermia and frostbite:

• Always check the weather before working outdoors to properly prepare yourself. Try to limit your time shoveling if weather conditions are extremely cold, wet or windy.
• Make sure you dress appropriately for the task at hand. Wear several loose layers of clothing, a warm hat that fully covers your head and ears, mittens (rather than gloves) and thick socks that will keep your feet dry.

Safety First

Your safety is our first priority. Talk to your supervisor you have any further questions or concerns about shoveling snow.

Snow shoveling safety tips for a safer winter – From our friends at EMC Insurance

The warm weather is here and it’s the perfect time of year to do some swimming. But don’t forget to refresh your memory on swimming safety. Drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury-related death in the United States. Knowing how to swim and following these safety tips will help keep you and your children safe. Explain swimming safety to children when young, and reinforce its importance regularly.

Swimming Pools

• Do not dive unless it’s deep enough to dive safely—it is recommended not to dive head-first in water less than nine feet deep, and not to dive at all into water less than five feet deep. If depth is not posted, ask a lifeguard.
• Always monitor children, even if lifeguards are present.
• Always review and follow posted water safety rules.
• Avoid swimming alone, and make sure your child uses the buddy system if swimming with friends.
• Never run near a pool—slipping can be dangerous.
• If you are just learning to swim, stay in an area of the pool where you can stand.
• Pool toys are not designed to be safety flotation devices—keep life jackets or life rings close at hand.
  
  

Lakes and Ponds

• Wear water shoes to protect your feet from jagged rocks, broken bottles, trash, etc.
• Be cautious and inch out to avoid unexpected drop-offs.
• Be careful of weeds, which can trap your feet. If you do get tangled, slowly pull and shake your arms and legs to get loose.
• Stay away from boats, jet skis and other motorized water vehicles.

Oceans

• Pay attention to water conditions and wave strength. If it seems unsafe, don’t go in the water.
• Strong currents can carry swimmers away from shore quickly. If you get caught in a current, swim parallel to the shoreline until the water stops pulling you, and then swim straight back to shore. If you cannot safely make it back, tread water and call or signal somebody for assistance.
• Watch out for jellyfish. If you get stung, find a lifeguard immediately to seek treatment, or call 911 if you have a severe reaction.
• Never swim alone or at night.
• Always swim in an area that is easily visible to others.
• Wear water shoes to protect your feet from jagged rocks, broken bottles, trash, etc.
• Do not swim extremely far out.

We hope these tips help to keep you and your family safe this summer. 

Fireworks are a staple of many Fourth of July and other celebrations, but remember to take precautions to ensure your special event is safe and accident-free. Firework safety is crucial to ensure you and you family have a great 4th of July holiday.  

The Risks

Unfortunately, many people do not realize just how dangerous fireworks and sparklers can be—which is a primary reason that injuries occur. Fireworks can not only injure the users, but can also affect bystanders.

Bottle rockets and firecrackers can fly in any direction and may explode on or near someone instead of up in the air. Sparklers are also a huge risk, as they burn at very high temperatures and are often given to children too young to use them safely. All fireworks pose potential risks of burn, blindness and other injury.

Firework Safety Tips for Safe Use

When using fireworks, always plan carefully in advance for who will shoot them and what safety precautions you will have in place. Here are some suggestions to ensure safety and avoid accidents:

• Use fireworks and sparklers outdoors only.
• Always have a hose or water bucket handy.
• Only use fireworks as intended. Do not alter or combine them, and do not use homemade fireworks.
• Keep spectators a safe distance away.
• Never give sparklers to young children.

• Wear safety goggles when handling or shooting off fireworks.
• Do not shoot fireworks off if under the influence of alcohol.
• Show children how to properly hold sparklers, how to stay far enough away from other children and what not to do (throw, run or fight with sparkler in hand)—but supervise closely, regardless.
• Point fireworks away from people, homes, trees, etc.
• Never try to relight a dud (a firework that didn’t properly ignite).
• Soak all firework debris in water before throwing it away.
• Do not carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them from metal or glass containers.

Protection for Your Pets

Like thunderstorms or the vacuum cleaner, fireworks may frighten your family pets. To protect your pets from becoming stressed as a result of loud noises from fireworks:

• Keep pets indoors away from loud noises in a place that is comfortable to them.
• Allow pets to go to the bathroom before beginning your fireworks show to prevent accidents.