Vermont Snow Shoveling Safety Tips

Winter in Southern Vermont comes with its fair share of snowfall, and with snow and ice comes the need for shoveling. While clearing snow from your property and nearby walkways is essential for safety and accessibility, it's important to approach snow shoveling with caution to prevent injuries.

Let Wise Oak, Inc. help you with your commercial winter snow removal! Read our snow shoveling safety tips down below to help you stay safe and let us take care of the hard work for you. Contact us for winter landscaping assistance now!

Warm-up Before You Start

Snow shoveling can be a strenuous activity, so it's crucial to warm up your muscles before you start. Stretching your arms, legs, and back can help prevent muscle strains and injuries. Take a few minutes to do some light exercises or brisk walking to get your blood flowing and your muscles warmed up. If you dive right into DIY winter snow removal, it can cause noticeable soreness when you come back inside.

Use Proper Shoveling Technique

When shoveling snow, it's essential to use the proper technique to avoid straining your back. Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and lift with your legs — not your back. Push the snow instead of throwing it when possible as well since the drifts can get heavy very easily. Use a shovel with a handle that is the appropriate length for your height to maintain good posture and reduce strain.

Take Frequent Breaks

Snow shoveling is a physically demanding activity, and it's important to listen to your body. Take frequent breaks to rest and rehydrate, especially if you start feeling fatigued. Overexertion can lead to exhaustion and increase the risk of injuries. Pace yourself and don't feel the need to clear all the snow in one go — Wise Oak, Inc. and our commercial winter snow removal team can help take care of it for you!

Dress Appropriately

Dressing in layers is crucial when shoveling snow. Layering allows you to add or remove clothing as needed to regulate body temperature. Wear a warm hat, gloves or mittens, and insulated, waterproof boots to keep your extremities protected from the cold and wet snow. If you start to feel too hot and sweat, remove the outer layers to remain comfortable.

Use Proper Equipment

Invest in a sturdy, ergonomic shovel with a comfortable grip to make your snow shoveling tasks more manageable. Consider using a shovel with a curved handle to reduce bending and strain on your back. Additionally, applying a light coating of non-stick spray or snow wax to your shovel blade can help prevent snow from sticking, making shoveling easier. It’s also a good idea to invest in a snow blower to help make your winter snow removal process easier.

Contact Wise Oak, Inc. for Winter Snow Removal

Snow shoveling is an unavoidable winter chore in Vermont, but with these safety tips, you can make it a safer and more manageable task. Contact Wise Oak, Inc. commercial landscaping team now to take care of this chore!

Tags: winter landscaping snow shoveling snowplowing winter snow removal Winter snow and ice winter tree care