Is there a right way to shovel? What you need to know the upcoming snowstorm in Toronto

Toronto and its surrounding areas are seeing mountains of snow this week, with 15 to 25 centimetres of anticipated for Sunday’s snowstorm. For most, the time is now to dig out the shovels and get to work on clearing driveways and walkways.

Here are some tips to stay safe while still remaining efficient as you trudge through.

What’s the best technique for shovelling? 

Keep your feet wide apart while shovelling and turn your feet and body in the direction you’re throwing or pushing the snow, recommends the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). Pushing the snow rather than lifting it is better for safety, the City of Toronto advises. It’s also worth doing a short warm-up to loosen and prepare muscles for the job ahead.

As the adage goes, the only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. In the case of heavy snowfall, shove only small amounts of snow at a time, the city recommends.

Don’t bend at the waist while shovelling snow and never throw snow over your shoulder, since it requires “a twisting motion that stresses your back,” the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons advises.

When should you start shovelling?

Whenever possible, it’s better to shovel earlier in the day, since new snow is lighter than partially melted snow or snow that has settled and been packed or patted down.

When you do get started, the most efficient rate of shovelling is between 18 and 21 scoops per minute, per CCOHS, but if you’re shovelling continuously, the “recommended rate” is around 15 scoops per minute. 

Source: Toronto Star