Give yourself a hand... shovel

BY KARINA SINCLAIR

When it comes to tackling winter's fury, a reliable snow shovel is your trusty companion for clearing sidewalks, driveways or even digging a vehicle out of a snow bank. But not all shovels are created equal. The Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW) offers this breakdown of key factors to consider when selecting the perfect tool to meet your needs:

Blade size and shape

For cutting through deep snow drifts or clearing windrows, opt for a flat shovel. Rounded scoops are better for pushing snow or efficiently removing it from sidewalks.

Blade material

Metal blade: Sturdy and durable, capable of handling heavy loads and chipping through ice. However, they are heavier and can contribute to back strain.

Plastic blade: Lightweight, flexible, and easy to maneuver. They're less durable than metal blades and not suitable for chipping ice, but snow doesn't stick as easily.

Combination: Consider a plastic blade with a metal wear strip for added strength and lightness.

Handle material

Wooden handle: Lightweight, durable, and easily replaceable. Requires occasional maintenance with linseed oil.

Fiberglass handle: Extremely durable, resistant to weather changes and rust, but heavier.

Plastic handle: Lightweight and easy to handle, but prone to brittleness over time, especially with constant exposure to sunlight and moisture.

Metal handle: Inexpensive and lightweight, but vulnerable to bending and rust.

Handle length

Choose a shovel with a length that reaches mid-chest height to minimize back strain caused by excessive bending.

Shovelling rate and weight

Once you’ve got the ideal shovel in hand you’re ready to tackle a fresh snowfall, but take care to pace yourself. Follow the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) recommendation of 15 scoops per minute, with a maximum weight per shovel of five to seven kg. (10-15 lbs.) for high-rate shovelling and 11 kg. (approx. 24 lbs.) for lower rates.

Snow density and throwing guidelines: Be mindful of the weight of snow and practice safe throwing heights and distances to avoid strain and injury. Optimal throwing height should not exceed 1.3 metres, with a distance no further than one metre. Take breaks every 15 minutes to prevent fatigue. See the chart above for a sense of how much a shovel full of snow can weigh depending on density.

According to the CCOHS, if you clear a single driveway covered in one foot of wet snow, you would move nearly four tons of snow.

Selecting the right snow shovel can make a significant difference in your snow-clearing efficiency and safety. Always prioritize your health and well-being while shovelling.

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