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Shoveling Snow Safety Tips

While it may seem we are having some warmer weather, you never know when “ole man winter” is going to rear his ugly head and dump 1-2 feet of snow on you. When you can’t get out of your driveway because of snow, and your snowblower doesn’t work then you have to pull out your shovel and that can cause injuries. 

 

According to Dr. John Hafner, who is an emergency medicine physician at Saint Francis in Peoria, more than 195,000 people are injured every year due to accidents from snow shoveling. The majority of those accidents are back, head, broken bones, or even heart attacks or strokes. Shoveling snow can increase risks because of excess exertion coupled with the cold weather. While these risks are usually for people older than 55, younger people get injured from the improper shoveling technique.

 

 

Another risk from Hafner is ice, which can lead to broken bones or head injuries.

 

 

You are encouraged to wear enough clothing when going outside in winter, as it doesn’t take a long time before skin exposure can lead to frostbite. For more information on snow shoveling and how to stay safe when you do it click here.  

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