Safety tips for winter walking and snow shovelling

January 3, 2023

It’s important to wear proper footwear when walking on icy surfaces to prevent falling.

During the colder months it’s important to stay active and get fresh air. It’s also important to use caution in snowy or icy conditions to prevent injury from slipping or falling. You also need to be careful when shovelling your driveway.

In this Story…

Here are some tips to consider to stay on your feet

Learn some snow shovelling tips to keep your body strong and healthy

Here are some tips to consider to stay on your feet

Choose the right footwear with a non-slip sole (check out www.ratemytreads.com for reliable information on the best winter footwear to buy)
Give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going
Walk like a penguin (mimicking the tiny steps help you keep your balance and footing)
Keep your hands free
Remove snow and ice from walkways frequently (see tips below for shovelling)
Keep the exterior lights on at your home, choose well-lit pathways, or wear a headlamp, so you have clear vision
Scan for tripping hazards, black ice, and uneven surfaces
When you go out for a walk, carry a small plastic bag filled with sand or kitty litter in your pocket to sprinkle as needed on icy sidewalks

Learn some snow shovelling tips to keep your body strong and healthy

Do not shovel after eating or while smoking
Warm up before you begin, and stretch your muscles after
Don’t wait for the snow to stop falling – shovel early and often
Whenever possible, use a snow shovel to push, rather than lift, the snow
If you have to lift, use a smaller shovel, or only partially fill up the shovel
Lift the shovel with your legs and not your back
Don’t shovel to the point of exhaustion, take breaks
If you’re feeling faint or in pain, stop
Know the signs of a heart attack – and stop immediately if you feel chest pain

4 Minute Read

Community & Culture

We are IH: Clinical operations manager inspired by her community

Inspired by her community, and what quality of life can be, Marie began her career in health care to broaden her understanding of what well-being truly means.

/stories/we-are-ih-clinical-operations-manager-inspired-her-community

4 Minute Read

Health & Wellness

IH enhances suicide prevention with new ED guidelines, resources

A new set of tools, resources and training for emergency department staff that supports those at risk of suicide is expected to save lives.

/stories/ih-enhances-suicide-prevention-new-ed-guidelines-resources

5 Minute Read

Community & Culture, Health & Wellness

Summer food safety checklist: Enjoy every bite of summer safely

Summer BBQs are fun but keep in mind - warmer temperatures can turn your feast into a fast-track to food poisoning if you’re not careful. Learn how to avoid it!

/stories/summer-food-safety-checklist-enjoy-every-bite-summer-safely

6 Minute Read

Community & Culture

We are IH: Team lead inspired by collaboration, shared commitment

Recruitment Assistants team lead Courtney Ruddiman has a background in business management and joined Interior Health in 2020 as an administrative assistant.

/stories/we-are-ih-team-lead-inspired-collaboration-shared-commitment