Snow shoveling, the Wisconsin winter sport, accounts for thousands of injuries and up to 100 deaths a year according to the National Safety Council. It’s not just the big storms that require caution. Poor technique will get you even in a light snowfall. I know we all have shoveled our share over the years, but a refresher on proper technique may save you from an unnecessary injury. The National Safety Council recommends:

1. Do not shovel after eating or while smoking.
2. Take it slow and stretch out before shoveling.
3. Shovel snow when it is fresh and powdery.
4. Push the snow rather than lift it.
5. If you do have to lift it, use a small or partially filled shovel.
6. Lift with your legs, not with your back.
7. Do not work to the point of exhaustion.

I would like to add a few more injury preventing tips:

1. Turn with your feet rather than twisting at your waist.
2. Tighten your abdominal muscles before lifting.
3. When pushing the shovel while walking, don’t hold the end of the handle closely in front of your body. If you hit a crack in the concrete, you can impale yourself on the handle.
4. When lifting, keep the load of the shovel close to you, and don’t throw the snow off the shovel. Drop it where you want it.

Practice these techniques, if you are not already doing them, and let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.