Do you cringe at the sight of a snow-covered driveway on a Calgary winter morning? Clearing snow is part of life here, but doing it safely and efficiently is the real challenge. Without the right approach, a simple shoveling job can lead to slips, falls, or even health risks. In fact, each year, icy sidewalks cause thousands of injuries across Canada, and overexerting yourself while shoveling can strain your back or even your heart. What are the best ways to remove that snow without injury?
Dress Warm and Warm Up
Start by getting yourself ready for the cold. Layer up with a warm coat, hat, and gloves to stay protected. Don’t forget sturdy, waterproof boots with good traction to help prevent slips. Before you begin shoveling, take about 5–10 minutes to warm up with light exercise or stretches to get your blood flowing and help prevent muscle strains.
Use the Right Tools
Using the proper tools makes snow removal easier and safer. Choose a snow shovel that’s sturdy but not too heavy. An ergonomic shovel with a curved handle can reduce strain on your back. For larger driveways or parking lots, consider using a snow blower. If you use any snow removal machine, operate it carefully and keep others at a safe distance. It’s also smart to keep some sand or pet-safe ice melt handy. After shoveling, sprinkle a bit of ice melt or sand on the ground to help prevent any leftover snow from freezing into slippery ice patches.
Shovel Smart with Safe Techniques
Shoveling snow is a workout, so use safe techniques to protect yourself. Here are some tips to shovel smart and avoid injury:
- Push, don’t lift: Whenever possible, push snow to the side instead of lifting.
- Lift with your legs: When you need to lift snow, bend your knees and use your legs, not your back.
- No twisting: Turn your whole body to dump snow to the side instead of twisting at your waist.
- Pace yourself: Shovel in sections and take regular breaks. Listen to your body and stay hydrated to avoid overexertion.
Clear Snow Early and Often
When it comes to snow in Calgary, timing is everything. Fresh snow is lighter and easier to remove, while snow that sits can become packed and icy. Don’t wait for too much to pile up – clear it as soon as you can.
Calgary’s weather can change quickly – a daytime Chinook thaw can refreeze into dangerous ice overnight if snow remains uncleared. Clearing snow promptly (and using salt or sand) prevents this melt-and-freeze cycle from making your sidewalk dangerously slippery, and it keeps you on the right side of Calgary’s 24-hour clearing bylaw.
Know Your Limits and Ask for Help
Snow removal can be hard work, so know your limits. If you’re exhausted or the snow is too heavy, it’s okay to ask for help. Pushing yourself too hard can lead to injuries or even heart issues. Instead, consider splitting the work with family or coworkers, or hire a professional for the big jobs. For the heaviest snowfalls, you can always call a Calgary snow removal service to handle the heavy lifting while you stay warm. Give us a call or contact us today to ensure your home or business stays safe, accessible, and snow-free all winter long!