Winter Weather Health and Safety Tips – After the extreme snowfall, we will be sharing the best ways to avoid some of the most frequent winter injuries.
Whether you are dealing with a broken bone or fracture, a back strain, a pulled muscle, or a traumatic hand injury, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s a look at some of the injuries you can expect to experience during the winter season.
Dr. Joanie Columbia, Prevea Health orthopedic hand surgeon, treats a wide variety of winter injuries at St. Mary’s Hospital.
“As an Orthopedic hand surgeon in the winter months, probably the top three injuries I see are cold weather injuries, snow blower injuries from fingertip injuries, and then fractures from falls on the ice,” said Dr. Columbia.
Here are some of the easiest ways to avoid an injury:
- Walk like a penguin to prevent bone breaks and fractures.
- Watch your shovel technique to avoid back and muscle strains.
- Be cautious with snowblowers to avoid traumatic hand injuries.
Once snow falls, it sticks to the ground and turns to ice. Sand or salt should be applied to driveways and sidewalks after a snowfall to prevent slipping and falling.
However, when temperatures drop below 20 degrees, ice may not melt. If you’re walking in an area that’s covered in ice, it’s best to take it slow and take short steps.
READ: How to Maintain Good Working Conditions in Winter
According to Dr. Columbia, there are many different types of snowblowers. Whether you’re using a gas or an electric snowblower, you’ll want to know how to operate it and other snow equipment before you start using it.
The most common cause of injuries is when users unclog their snowblowers with their hands. To prevent this, stop the engine and remove the wet snow and debris with a long stick.
“Always for that split second, just think it’s not worth losing my fingers. Don’t stick the fingers inside the snow blower,” said Dr. Columbia. “Safety first.”
Prevea Orthopedics and Sports Medicine experts care for patients in Green Bay, Grand Chute, Sheboygan, and Oconto Falls. To learn more, you can go directly to Prevea’s website.