How To Avoid Injury While Removing Snow From Your Ann Arbor, MI Yard

November 22, 2014

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As wintertime approaches, it’s important to prepare for the upcoming snow and ice accumulation. Since many people are do-it-yourself types, it’s common for people to sustain injuries while they are removing their own snow: issues like sprains and strains, as well as slip-and-fall incidents are reported during snow removal. If you would like to keep up with your own snow removal and yet keep yourself free of injury in the Ann Arbor Michigan area, keep reading.

Prevent As Much Accumulation as Possible

Probably the easiest and most effective way to remove snow from your yard without injury to yourself is to prevent accumulation in the first place.
This can be done by liberally applying snow and ice salt to the walkways and pathways. This will prevent the snow and ice from sticking to the surfaces, and if any should accumulate, it will be much easier to remove it.
Add de-icer spray to all of your doors, hardware, locks and anything that has moving parts. The spray will keep hardware and metal moving parts from sticking together and potentially causing injury. Additionally, the de-icer spray can also prevent ice from accumulating in metal.
Finally, prevention can come in the form of textured paths and walkways. Textured concrete can offer a more firm footing when walking in snow and ice, and makes for safer snow removal in Ann Arbor Michigan.

Move Intelligently

Hark back to your old school days when your gym teacher taught you how to lift with your legs and not your back. The best way to prevent injury when clearing away snow is to use your body properly.
• Make sure you can handle the weight of the snow before lifting the shovel.
• Swing your shovel smoothly and without torquing your lower back.
• Warm up before heading out to clear snow. This will stretch your muscles and help prevent tears and strains.
• Step only where you can see a clear spot on the ground, if possible. Don’t assume that the snow is solid or that there is not ice underneath. Make sure to plant your feet firmly and always look before you step.
If you do sprain something, immediately follow the RICE method of rest, ice, compression and elevation. This can help keep the injury minor.

Double Check Tools

Whether you use an old fashioned snow shovel or you use the latest snow-blower, always make sure all of your tools are in good shape and ready to be used before the winter season sets in. Sharpen blades, check oil and cords, and generally test each item to ensure your safety.
If you spot any issues with your tools or shoveling devices, now is the time to get them repaired, not in the dead of winter when you have a driveway filled with snow.

Using foresight and preparation can allow you to easily and safely take care of your snow and ice removal needs without injury. Spare yourself the agony of a sprained back or ankle in the wintertime and get prepared before the snow begins to fly.