Snow Shoveling Hazards

With winter weather upon us and many areas experiencing snowfall, learn how to stay safe while shoveling.

According to the Center for Injury Research and Policy of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, more than 11,000 people visit emergency rooms each year due to overexertion and injury, while nearly 100 people die every year from heart attacks brought on by shoveling snow.

Stay safe when going outdoors this winter with precautions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s advice about shoveling snow or performing other hard work in the cold.
• Dress warmly and work slowly. Your body is already working hard just to stay warm, so do not overdo it.
• Stay dry. Wet clothing chills the body rapidly. Excess perspiration will increase heat loss, so remove extra layers of clothing whenever you feel too warm.
• Do not ignore shivering. It is an important first sign that the body is losing heat. Persistent shivering is a signal to return indoors.
• Many cold-weather injuries result from falls on ice-covered sidewalks, steps, driveways, and porches. Keep your steps and walkways as free of ice as possible by using rock salt or another chemical de-icing compound. You may also consider using sand on walkways to reduce the risk of slipping.

When shoveling, the U.S. Fire Administration also recommends that you keep snow and ice three feet from fire hydrants so firefighters can quickly access them in case of fire. Find more winter safety information in the How to Prepare for a Winter Storm guide.