Prevent Injury While Shoveling and Cleaning up Debris

Special attention is needed to avoid back injuries associated with manual lifting and handling of debris and shoveling snow. To help prevent injury or illness:

• Stretch before you go out. If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up your body. Also take many breaks.
• Avoid overexertion. Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart.  Exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse.
• Drink water, stay hydrated.  Avoid alcohol or caffeinated drinks.
• Use teams of two or more to move bulky objects.
• Avoid lifting any material that weighs more than 50 pounds.
• Use caution or seek professional assistance when removing fallen trees, cleaning up debris or using equipment, such as chain saws.
• Wear eye goggles while removing or cleaning up debris to prevent eye injuries.

Wear Proper Clothing for Cold Weather

• Hat and scarf or knit mask to cover face and mouth
• Sleeves that are snug at the wrist
• Mittens (they are warmer than gloves)
• Water-resistant coat and shoes
• Several layers of loose-fitting clothing
• Be sure the outer layer of your clothing is tightly woven, preferably wind resistant, to reduce body-heat loss caused by wind. Wool, silk, or polypropylene inner layers of clothing will hold more body heat than cotton.
• Stay dry—wet clothing chills the body rapidly. Excess perspiration will increase heat loss, so remove extra layers of clothing whenever you feel too warm.

Do not ignore shivering. It’s an important first sign that the body is losing heat. Persistent shivering is a signal to return indoors.

Short URL: http://www.news.synavista.com/?p=7970

Posted by Resident on Feb 11 2010. Filed under Loudoun County. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.