Winter maintenance in Maryland can call for serious snow removal. Learn how to keep from injuring yourself during snow removal.
Last week – in light of Blizzard Jonas wreaking havoc on the nation – we talked about why you should not use de-icer on your concrete, asphalt and masonry. De-icer can be hazardous to your surfaces and surrounding vegetation. However, after a major snowfall, removing snow from these surfaces is necessary for health. So, how do you practice winter maintenance and keep your pavement and patio safe and clear of snow without hurting yourself? Let’s talk about it.
Can I Really Hurt Myself Removing Snow? I Got This!
Yes. Snow removal-related injuries send thousands of people to the hospital annually. Don’t be one of them. Between over exerting yourself shoveling to traveling on a road that is not properly cleared, the conditions could be deadly. Sadly, Blizzard Jonas reportedly claimed the lives of at least 48 people. It is not uncommon for people to become overheated and overworked when removing snow, resulting in heart attacks and severe muscle strains.
How to Avoid Hurting Yourself Removing Snow
Always use common sense in combination with the following quick tips to avoid hurting yourself while removing snow:
- Dress Warm: Be sure to wear layers, a hat, waterproof gloves and coat and waterproof shoes with good traction. Even in the cold, overheating can be an issue.
- Use The Right Shovel: To reduce strain while shoveling, you should use a shovel that is appropriate for your height and strength level. If you are tall, get an ergonomic handle shovel. If you are short, use a shorter shovel. In either case, make sure the size of the scoop on your shovel reflects the amount of weight you will be able to move.
- Know When Enough is Enough: When you are removing snow, be cautious of your surroundings and physical state. If the area is too icy and slippery, proceed with caution. If you grow tiresome while removing snow, feel weak or become short of breath – IMMEDIATELY STOP. Take a break, snow removal should not cost you your life.
PTG Enterprises: A Commercial Concrete Contractor in Baltimore
PTG Enterprises has been in the asphalt paving, concrete, and masonry business for more than a decade. We have seen it all before and we know the telltale warning signs of asphalt and pavement failure. And as a member of the Community Association Institute (CAI), National Facilities Management and Technology (NFMT), and Maryland Multi-Housing Association (MMHA) we are well-positioned to help you make the right financial decisions for your property or community association.
PTG stands out as an industry leader due to our methodology of pavement management planning: a systematic, long-term approach to managing and extending the life of your pavement. We will work with you to develop a comprehensive strategy to extend and maximize the lifespan of your asphalt and concrete surfaces.
If you have any questions about winter asphalt maintenance, please contact PTG Enterprises today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! You can also check us out on Facebook and Twitter.
Tags: Concrete Contractor in Baltimore, shoveling safety, Snow Removal, winter maintenance
