Monday, January 31, 2011
Snow and snowblower injuries are piling up
That’s a lot of snow in a short period of time. And if weather forecasts are correct, more snow is on the way this week. Hopefully the snowblower injuries that we have been seeing in the Backus Hospital Emergency Department won’t come along with it.
We have seen at least five snowblower-related injuries this year, and over the years I have seen some very serious injuries, usually the result of people putting their hands or feet in the machines.
They tend to get clogged with debris or wet snow, and even if the engine is turned off when the clogging mechanism is dislodged the torque propels the blades.
The best advice I can give is never stick your hand or foot in a clogged snowblower, even if it is off.
Here are some other snowblower safety tips:
• Many models now include a tool for safe clearing — use it.
• Always turn off it off before attempting to clear it.
• Don’t wear loose clothing that can get caught in the moving parts.
• Always warm up the snowblower outside, not in the garage — carbon monoxide poisoning can result.
• Wear ear plugs.
• When using electric snowblowers, be sure to keep the extension cord safety away from the engine while working.
• For gas models, wait until the engine is cool before refueling.
There is no denying that snowblowers are excellent options to help you clear the driveway, the sidewalk, around the mailbox and make paths for oil deliveries — without the back injuries and dangers of heart attack that traditional shoveling brings.
But they can be dangerous if you don’t use them safely.
Gillian Mosier is a registered nurse and manager of the Backus Trauma Program. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Mosier or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org
