Snow shovelling is strenuous work that can involve cold exposure, fatigue, muscular strain and more serious injury, particularly to the lower back. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) recommends planning the task around lower loads, steady pacing and breaks.
Prepare before you start
Alberta Health Services (AHS) advises warming up before shovelling, wearing thin breathable layers, taking breaks during strenuous work and avoiding shovelling on a full stomach.
- Warm up before picking up the shovel.
- Choose thin, breathable layers.
- Plan to pause instead of clearing everything without a break.
- If you have just eaten a full meal, wait before shovelling.
Push snow when you can
CCOHS recommends pushing snow rather than lifting it. When snow must be thrown, use a manageable load, turn your feet towards the place you are throwing it and avoid twisting at the waist. These steps keep the movement simpler and the load smaller.
Use smaller loads and a steady pace
Work steadily rather than rushing. CCOHS recommends a smaller shovel or partially filled loads to reduce the workload, along with frequent breaks and warm, non-alcoholic fluids. Divide a large area into sections and pause between them.
Ask for health advice when it applies to you
AHS advises people who are older, overweight, out of shape or have a family history of heart disease to seek advice from a doctor before shovelling. This guide does not replace individual medical advice.
Keep Calgary’s snow-clearing rules separate from technique
The City of Calgary says property owners must clear adjacent sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall and must not place snow from a private driveway onto public spaces. For a focused summary of deadlines, placement and fines, read our Calgary snow-removal bylaw guide.
For broader seasonal context beyond this safety routine, see how much it snows in Canada.
A short routine to follow
- Warm up and dress in thin, breathable layers.
- Push snow where possible.
- Use manageable, partially filled loads when lifting is necessary.
- Turn your feet towards the throw instead of twisting at the waist.
- Keep a steady pace, stop for breaks and choose a warm non-alcoholic drink.
Need the local requirements in one place? Review the Calgary snow-removal bylaw guide before the next snowfall.