News Feature                   For Immediate Release

                                                                                               December 10, 2008

Snow Blower Injuries

Every major snowfall brings with it the risk of snow blower related injuries.

“We have unfortunately already seen x-rays of our first snow blower related injury,” said Dr. Laura Howlett, Radiologist at Grey Bruce Health Services, Owen Sound. “I am always sickened by the images I receive, and amazed at the persistent lack of snow blower safety knowledge.”

Canadian statistics are not available but according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2001, there were 4,387 hospital emergency room injuries associated with snow throwers or blowers. The injuries range from severe cuts, crushed or broken bones, finger amputations (two-thirds of the injuries involve fingers), and even death. Nineteen deaths have been reported since 1992. Most injuries are from attempts to clear the auger or discharge chute by hand, instead of using an appropriately sized solid object. Even after the snow blower engine is turned off, an auger can rotate unexpectedly when the cause of a jam is removed.

If your snow blower jams:

• Turn it off
• disengage the clutch
• wait 5 seconds to allow the blades to stop rotating
• always use a stick or broom handle to clear snow or ice jams
• never put your hand down the chute or around the blades
• keep all the shields in place

Manage the risks when dealing with snow removal this winter. Concentrate on what you are doing and remember: safety first at all times.

For further information call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 or visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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For more information:

Krista Witzke

Public Health Nurse

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800 263-3456 ext.230