Safe Snow Removal

• Slips and falls on snow, ice, or hidden slick spots
• Back, shoulder, or heart strain from shoveling
• Cold stress, frostbite, or hypothermia
• Struck-by hazards from plows, blowers, loaders, or vehicles
• Poor visibility during snow events or early morning work
• Overexertion from rushing or working too long without breaks

Snow removal can seem routine, but it combines cold exposure, slick surfaces, physical strain, poor visibility, and equipment movement. These hazards can increase quickly during storms or emergency cleanup.

Slips and falls are one of the most common snow removal risks. Workers should wear footwear with good traction, take shorter steps, and watch for ice hidden under fresh snow.

Shoveling can create serious strain. Heavy wet snow, twisting, throwing snow too far, and working too fast can stress the back, shoulders, and cardiovascular system.

Workers should pace the work and take breaks when needed. Smaller shovel loads, pushing instead of lifting when possible, and rotating tasks can reduce overexertion.

Cold stress should be watched closely during extended outdoor work. Wet gloves, sweating, wind, and low temperatures can reduce body heat and affect coordination.

Equipment movement adds another hazard. Plows, snow blowers, loaders, skid steers, trucks, and spreaders may have limited visibility and may slide on slick surfaces.

Traffic exposure should be controlled when snow removal occurs near roads, parking lots, sidewalks, entrances, or loading areas. Drivers may have poor traction and may not expect workers nearby.

Safe snow removal depends on slowing down and planning the work. Control footing, manage physical strain, stay visible, watch equipment, and report cold stress or unsafe conditions early.

• Wear footwear with good traction.
• Take short steps and avoid rushing on icy surfaces.
• Use smaller shovel loads and avoid twisting.
• Take breaks during heavy or prolonged snow removal.
• Watch for cold stress and wet clothing.
• Stay clear of plows, blowers, loaders, and backing vehicles.
• Use high-visibility clothing or traffic control when needed.

• Where are the worst slip hazards today?
• Is the snow heavy enough to require smaller loads or equipment help?
• Are workers protected from traffic and equipment movement?
• Are workers dressed for cold, wind, and wet conditions?
• Does the crew need breaks or rotation to prevent overexertion?