Safely Using a Snow Shovel

Safely Using a Snow Shovel

Instructor Guide

Safety Talk Overview

Safety Talks are a method to refresh an employee’s knowledge and skills, maintain their interest in safety and illustrate the organization’s commitment to creating a healthy & safe work environment. Safety Talks can be performed on a weekly basis or before the start of a new scope of work and should be about 15 minutes in duration. Generally, these Safety Talk meetings are led by a supervisor and should be mandatory for all crew members to attend. The content should be centred on a single topic (e.g. a safety rule, safe job procedures, recent incident, Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee (JOHSC) meeting minutes, inspection results, etc.).

go2 developed these Safety Talks in conjunction with representatives from 11 ski areas in BC. The content is meant to be a base on which to work from, so please feel free to customize the subject matter to your own organization. If you would like to develop your own Safety Talk, please download the Safety Talk template from the go2 website (www.go2hr.ca/skisafety) and contact Trina Wright at and 604-633-9787 (ext 259) for support. If you are willing to share your Safety Talks with go2, we will ideally post it on our website, to be accessed by all ski areas in BC. The more preventative ideas we can provide, the better the chances of having an incident-free environment for all.

Topic Overview:

Ski area employees can be injured by incorrectly shoveling snow. Potential injuries could include sprains and strains to the back, shoulders and hands.

Demonstration and Discussion Topics

o Discuss the hazards of shoveling snow.

o Tour the work area with workers pointing out where the accidents can occur.

o Distribute the “Do’s & Don’ts” section of this handout.

o Use the “Instructor Guide” section of the handout as your discussion guide and the “Safety Talk Record” to document the meeting.

o Discuss how accidents can happen.

o Remind employees that they are required to wear adequate personal protective equipment.

o Explain what can be done to minimize the risk of accidents (do’s & don’ts in handout)

o Emphasize that following safe work procedures is mandatory.

o Make it real by telling at least two true stories of injuries from your experience, e.g. according to Dalhousie University in 2009, shoveling and snow blower injuries result in more than 100,000 serious emergency room visits in North America. Injuries ranged from sprains of the back, shoulders and hands.

o Discuss the attitude of “it won’t happen to me”. Remind them that an injury can and will happen if they take shortcuts or are careless.

o Answer any questions or concerns they might have.

o Set a good example by working safely at all times.

Safely Using a Snow Shovel

SAFETY TALK RECORD

Discussion Leader: / Date:
Department: / Time:
Attendees (Please print your name and sign beside it. If you are a contractor, also include your company name):
o / o
o / o
o / o
o / o
o / o
o / o
o / o
o / o
o / o
o / o
o / o
o / o
o / o
o / o
Near Miss/Incidents and Investigations Reviewed: (None this month o)
(Industry alerts can be discussed here as well)
Safety Topic Discussed:
Title: / Date:
Any questions or concerns from workers?
Action Needed: / Person responsible: / Due Date: / Completed Date:
Reviewed By:
Supervisor/Manager Print Name & Sign: / Date:

Safely Using a Snow Shovel

The goal of this Safety Talk is to reduce the number of incidents with workers being injured while removing snow with a shovel.

During the winter season, removing snow can be a regular occurrence. The potential for musculoskeletal injury is high if it were not done properly. Please consider the following when planning proper snow removal procedures.

Do’s:

§  Warm up. Before digging in, warm up your muscles for 10 minutes with light exercise or stretching. Basic stretches are recommended, followed by a brisk walk or an aerobic activity.

§  Dress appropriately. Light, layered, water-repellent clothing provides both ventilation and insulation. It is also important to wear appropriate head coverings, mittens or gloves, as well as thick, warm socks. Avoid falls by wearing boots that have slip-resistant soles.

§  Use a shovel that is in good working order. Using the right shovel for the right type of surface can make the job easier on your arms and back. Remember, each shovelful of snow can weigh roughly 20lbs (9 kg).

§  Do a couple of test shovels to see how deep and wet the snow is. The shovel you are using may need to be changed.

§  Avoid getting on a roof or working from heights if a pull shovel can be used. If shoveling off a raised platform or while working at heights, use fall arrest equipment if you’ve been trained to do so.

§  Be aware of hazards above you, e.g. snow falling from a deck or roof.

§  Use the proper shoveling technique. Push the snow instead of lifting it, and be sure not to overload the shovel. If you have to lift, squat with your legs apart, bend your knees and lift with your legs (not your back!). Keep the shovel close to your body and space your hands on the shovel to increase leverage. Shovel an inch or two off the top of the snow and use a shovel that feels comfortable for your height and strength.

§  Ensure the area is safe to work in and you aren’t going to accidentally hit someone with snow or your shovel. In some cases, the area may need to be roped off.

§  Pace yourself and take breaks every 15 minutes or so. Stand up straight, walk around, and drink water to avoid dehydration and overheating.

§  Listen to your body. Pay attention to your body's signals, such as pains, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort.

§  Some people should use caution with shoveling duties, especially those who are not physically active or possess a heart condition.

§  Shovel early and often. Newly fallen snow is lighter than heavily-packed or partially-melted snow.

§  When shoveling, be aware of your environment and surroundings, including moving machines.

Safely Using a Snow Shovel

Don’ts:

§  Do not hold a shovelful of snow with your arms outstretched – it puts too much weight on your spine.

§  Do not overload shovel with snow. Take your time and shovel at a comfortable pace.

§  Do not throw the snow over your shoulder or to the side – this requires a twisting motion that stresses your back.

§  Do not twist while shoveling.

§  Do not use a shovel that is too heavy, too long, too short, or broken. Use proper equipment that is in good working order.