Snow Removal Safety Tips to Help Keep You Safe This Coming Winter

Snow Removal Safety Tips to Help Keep You Safe This Coming Winter

The first heavy snowfall of the season always feels magical—until you realize how much work it takes to properly clear it.. That’s when the real concern kicks in: safety. Each winter, thousands of people end up in emergency rooms from back injuries, slips, or even heart attacks linked to shoveling. That’s why following practical snow removal safety tips can make all the difference in keeping you safe while handling winter chores.

In this blog, you’ll find straightforward advice that’s easy to follow.

Here’s what you’ll take away:

• Smart, simple techniques to shovel snow without straining your back or heart.
• Safety precautions you may not know about.
• Quick-reference tips to help keep you safe in all kinds of snowfall.

The Risks at a Glance: Why Snow Removal Safety Matters

Snow may look harmless, but moving heavy snow is one of winter’s most dangerous chores. Shoveling and removing snow can place strain on your heart, muscles, and joints. It can sneak up quickly, especially during a snowstorm when you’re rushing to clear driveways and sidewalks. Every year, thousands of people end up in emergency rooms because they didn’t follow basic shoveling safety tips.

• More than  11,000 people seek medical help each year for snow shoveling injuries.
• Nationwide, snow shoveling is responsible for over  100 deaths each year.
• Snowblowers cause more than  5,000 injuries annually, from people trying to clear snow jams with their bare hands.
• Even a few inches of snow can hide icy patches beneath the snow, leading to dangerous slipping and falling accidents.

Taking these numbers seriously is the first step toward safe snow removal.

Quick Safety Overview: A Cheat Sheet for Clearing Snow

If you’re short on time and just want the basics, here’s a quick-reference guide. These points can help keep you safe while shoveling, snow blowing, or dealing with snow and ice around your property.

Winter Hazard	Tips to Help Prevent Injuries
Heart strain	Check with your doctor before shoveling if you have a history of heart disease. Take frequent breaks and avoid heavy meals or smoking beforehand.
Back injuries	Use a snow shovel with a curved handle, keep your back straight, and lift each shovelful of snow with your legs instead of twisting.
Slipping and falling	Wear shoes or boots with traction. Sprinkle rock salt or ice melt on walkways, and clear snow early before it freezes solid.
Snowblower dangers	Stop the machine completely before unclogging snow jams; keep your hands and feet away from moving parts at all times.
Cold exposure	Dress in layers, cover with a hat or scarf, and limit outdoor time to avoid frostbite or hypothermia.
Hidden obstacles	Watch for items buried beneath the snow at the end of the driveway or along sidewalks—these can damage tools and cause trips.

This table is your reminder that staying safe is about preparation as much as effort.

Safe Techniques for Manual Snow Removal

Clearing snow with a shovel looks simple, but it can quickly wear you down if you don’t use the right approach. A few smart habits make this chore less stressful on your body and can help prevent injuries.

Follow these tips for safe snow shoveling:

1. Warm up before you shovel. Take a few minutes to get your muscles and joints ready. Walking in place or doing gentle stretches helps loosen tight areas so you don’t strain your back.
2. Dress for winter weather. Wear a hat or scarf, waterproof mittens, and shoes or boots with solid traction. This helps you stay warm and reduces your risk of slipping on icy patches.
3. Use a snow shovel that works for you. A lightweight model with a curved handle makes it easier to push the snow instead of lifting it over your shoulder.
4. Clear early and often. Smaller volumes of snow are easier to handle than heavy snow that piles up. Wet snow is especially tough on your back and can place extra stress on your heart.
5. Lift with your legs, not your back. Keep your back straight, bend your knees, and avoid twisting. Instead of throwing the snow, push the snow forward when you can.
6. Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated. Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty. Fatigue builds fast in cold air, and dehydration makes it worse.
7. Stop immediately if you feel warning signs. Shortness of breath, experiencing chest pain, or sudden fatigue are all signs of a heart attack. If you have a history of heart disease, check with your doctor before shoveling.

By using a shovel safely and pacing yourself, you can keep up with snowfall without putting unnecessary strain on your heart, back, or shoulders.

Safe Snow Blower Operation

A snow blower can save time and energy when clearing large driveways and sidewalks, but it comes with its own risks. Each winter, thousands of people are injured because they don’t follow basic safety rules.

Here are some important tips so you can use a snowblower more safely:

1. Know your machine. Before the first snowfall, read the manual so you understand the controls and how to shut it off quickly in an emergency.
2. Handle jams correctly. Wet snow often clogs the chute. Always turn the snowblower off and use a tool or stick to clear snow jams—never your hands.
3. Watch your footing. Slipping and falling while operating a snow blower can cause serious back injuries. Wear sturdy shoes or boots with a good grip.
4. Mind your surroundings. Keep children and pets at a safe distance, and aim the chute away from cars, windows, and walkways where people may pass.
5. Fuel and ventilation safety. Refuel outdoors and never in a closed garage. Gas engines produce carbon monoxide, which is dangerous in enclosed spaces.
6. Take breaks. Long periods of snow blowing can tire you out just like using a shovel. Stop, stretch, and drink water to stay safe and alert.

Using a snow blower responsibly reduces the chance of potential injuries and helps you clear snow faster without putting yourself in harm’s way.

Preventing Cold-Related Conditions While Clearing Snow

Cold weather brings more than the challenge of lifting snow; it also exposes you to frostbite and hypothermia. Both conditions can develop faster than you think, especially when you’re tired or damp from shoveling. Taking a few simple steps helps you stay safe and comfortable outside.

Tips to help you stay warm and prevent injuries from cold exposure:

1. Layer your clothing. Start with a moisture-wicking base, add insulation in the middle, and finish with a waterproof jacket. This keeps sweat off your skin and blocks wet snow.
2. Cover extremities. A hat or scarf, mittens, and thick socks help protect areas most at risk for frostbite. Keep your hands dry to avoid numbness.
3. Limit outdoor time. Take breaks indoors to warm up, especially during a snowstorm or when clearing large driveways and sidewalks.
4. Know the warning signs. Frostbite may cause tingling, pale skin, or stiffness in fingers and toes. Hypothermia can lead to shivering, confusion, and slurred speech. If these symptoms appear, stop immediately and get medical help.

By dressing smart and watching for signs of trouble, you can handle winter chores without risking hypothermia and frostbite.

Why Minnesota Commercial Clients Trust TCOS

Snow removal isn’t just about getting rid of piles. For businesses across Minnesota, it’s about keeping walkways, parking lots, and entry points clear so people stay safe. That’s where Twin City Outdoor Services (TCOS) stands out.

Here’s what makes TCOS different:

• Local experience. With more than 30 years of work in Minnesota, our team knows how to handle everything from light snowfall to heavy snowstorms.
• Trained crews and proper tools. From shovels and plows to snowblowers and specialized equipment, our staff is prepared for all amounts of snow. That means less risk of injury, fewer slips, and reliable access for everyone.
• Year-round care. Beyond clearing snow and ice, we help prevent damage to concrete, asphalt, and professional landscaping—protecting your property and reducing emergency costs.
• Safety-first approach. We plan ahead, monitor conditions, and follow proven methods that help keep you safe while keeping your site accessible.

Partnering with TCOS means you get more than a snow removal service—you gain a reliable safety partner for every season.

Conclusion: Stay Safe and Clear the Way with Confidence

Winter weather doesn’t have to mean sore backs, frostbite, or emergency rooms. With the right snow removal safety tips, you can protect your health, reduce potential injuries, and keep your property in good shape all season long. From using a shovel correctly to operating a machine with care, every smart step adds up to a safer property work environment..

If clearing snow feels like too much—whether it’s lifting wet snow, dealing with a snowstorm, or keeping up with frequent snowfall—you don’t have to do it alone. Twin City Outdoor Services (TCOS) is here with the crews, equipment, and experience to handle the toughest winter challenges for Minnesota businesses.

Stay safe, stay warm, and let TCOS be your trusted snow removal service this season. Call us today for a FREE personalized consultation and discover the difference a safety-focused team can make.