01/18/2026
Day two for us in NEPA for snow removal ❄️ here are a few tips to stay hand healthy while cleaning up 🙌🏻
Snow removal is more than just a chore; it’s a high-intensity activity that poses specific risks to your hands, from frostbite to mechanical injuries.
❄️Choosing the Right Gloves
The "best" glove isn't always the thickest. You need a balance between insulation and dexterity.
• Waterproofing is Mandatory: Wet hands lose heat 25 times faster than dry hands. Look for gloves with a Gore-Tex or waterproof membrane.
• Grip Material: Ensure the palms have a skid-resistant or silicone grip. This prevents the shovel handle from sliding, which reduces the friction that causes blisters and hand fatigue.
• Avoid Over-Bulk: If a glove is too thick, you’ll have to squeeze harder to grip the shovel, leading to forearm cramps and reduced circulation (which actually makes your hands colder).
❄️Snowblower Safety (Crucial)
Snowblowers are the leading cause of serious hand injuries during winter.
• The "Clearance" Rule: NEVER use your hands to clear a clog in the chute, even if the machine is off.
• Hidden Torque: Even when the engine is stopped, the internal impeller can be under "rotational tension." When you clear the clog, the blades can snap forward like a spring, causing severe injury or amputation.
• The Tool Method: Always use a wooden stick, a broom handle, or the clearing tool that came with the machine.
❄️Ergonomics and Technique
How you hold your tools affects the long-term health of your wrists and fingers.
• Hand Placement: Keep your hands at least 12 inches apart on the shovel handle. This increases your leverage and reduces the strain on your small hand muscles.
• Switch Hits: Regularly switch your lead hand (the hand lower on the shovel). This prevents repetitive strain on one side of your body.
• Push, Don't Lift: Whenever possible, push the snow like a plow. Lifting puts the most stress on your wrists and lower back.
Snow is work but gosh it’s pretty❤️
