HOW TO SHOVEL SNOW SAFELY
Better snow-shoveling technique starts with control. Keep the load manageable, limit unnecessary bending and twisting, use your legs when lifting, and push snow whenever practical.
SHOVEL SMARTER, NOT HARDER.
Moving snow can involve repeated pushing, lifting, carrying, and turning. How you perform those movements can make a significant difference in how manageable the job feels.
Instead of relying on your back and arms for every movement, use your legs, keep the shovel under control, and avoid trying to move more snow than you can comfortably handle.
PUSH THE SNOW WHEN YOU CAN.
Not every load of snow needs to be lifted and thrown. When conditions allow, pushing snow toward the edge of the clearing area can reduce the amount of lifting, carrying, and turning required.
7 WAYS TO MAKE SNOW SHOVELING MORE MANAGEABLE
KEEP THE LOAD MANAGEABLE
Heavy snow can become difficult to control quickly. Take smaller amounts when necessary rather than automatically filling the entire shovel with every pass.
PUSH INSTEAD OF THROW WHEN PRACTICAL
If the snow can be pushed to the side of a deck, driveway, or sidewalk, there may be no reason to repeatedly lift and throw it.
BEND AT YOUR KNEES WHEN LIFTING
When snow must be lifted, bend your knees and use your legs as part of the movement rather than repeatedly bending forward from the waist.
KEEP THE SHOVEL CLOSE
A load becomes harder to control as it moves farther away from your body. Keep the shovel and the snow reasonably close when lifting or repositioning a load.
MOVE YOUR FEET INSTEAD OF TWISTING
When changing direction, reposition your feet and turn your body with the movement rather than planting your feet and rotating while holding a loaded shovel.
USE A CONTROLLED RHYTHM
Snow removal does not need to be a race. Controlled, repeatable movements can make it easier to maintain good technique as the job continues.
TAKE BREAKS WHEN YOU NEED THEM
Heavy, wet, deep, or compacted snow can turn a simple clearing job into demanding physical work. Break the job into smaller sections when necessary.
KEEP YOUR MOVEMENTS CONTROLLED.
NOT EVERY SHOVEL PASS NEEDS TO END WITH A THROW.
One of the simplest ways to change the physical demands of snow removal is to push snow whenever the layout and snow conditions make that practical.
Fresh or manageable snow.
A clear path toward the edge of the area.
Decks, walks, and driveways with room to move snow aside.
Long clearing passes where repeated lifting is unnecessary.
Take a manageable amount of snow.
Keep the shovel reasonably close.
Use your legs as part of the lifting motion.
Step toward the destination instead of twisting to throw.
MORE CONTROL CAN CHANGE HOW YOU SHOVEL.
Technique matters, but shovel design also affects how you interact with the load. Handle length, grip position, blade size, and the ability to use two hands can all influence control.
A two-handed grip provides another point of contact with the shovel, giving the user more control and while pushing snow.
A QUICK SNOW-SHOVELING CHECKLIST
WHY CRACK JUMPER™ USES A SECOND GRIP
Crack Jumper™ includes a two-handed grip to give the user more control and leverage while pushing and moving snow.
Its telescoping handle also adjusts to accommodate users approximately 5' to 6'3", allowing the shovel length to be better matched to the person using it.
Snow shoveling can be physically demanding. These are general technique suggestions and are not medical advice. Snow depth, weight, temperature, surface conditions, individual ability, and other factors can affect the demands of the task. Work within your capabilities and stop if you feel unwell or unable to continue comfortably.