Safer Snow Shovelling: When to Hand It Off

Short answer: Snow shovelling is heavy work in cold weather. Push snow instead of lifting it, take breaks, lift with your legs, and clear in stages during long storms. If shovelling is hard on your health, hand it off to a snow removal service, and talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Why shovelling is demanding

A shovel of wet snow is heavy, and clearing a driveway means hundreds of lifts. Cold air, slippery footing and the rush to get out in the morning add to the strain. Wet, heavy spring snow and windrow snow are the hardest.

Safer shovelling

1. Warm up first with a few minutes of easy movement.
2. Use an ergonomic shovel and push snow where you can.
3. Lift small loads, bend at the knees, and do not twist.
4. Clear every few hours during long storms so snow never gets too deep.
5. Take breaks and stop if you feel unwell.
6. Wear boots with good grip and salt before you walk out.

Snow blowers

A snow blower reduces lifting but is still physical work, and it struggles with heavy windrow ice. Keep hands and feet away from the chute and never clear a jam with your hand.

When to hand it off

If you have health or mobility concerns, leave early for work, or simply cannot keep up, a seasonal residential snow removal plan with windrow clearing takes it off your hands.

What to avoid

• Clearing a heavy windrow all at once.
• Shovelling right after a big meal or in a rush.

Questions homeowners ask

Is pushing better than lifting?

Yes. Pushing moves snow with far less strain.

What shovel is best?

A lightweight shovel with a bent handle reduces bending.

Can someone clear just my steps and walk?

Yes, walkway and step clearing can be booked on its own.