Each year, hundreds of people suffer maiming or amputations of their fingers or hands due to the improper handling of snowblowers.
The American Society for Surgery of the Hand offers the following information about snowblower injuries to help you avoid them during the winter season.
Injury Profile
- Average age: 44 years
- Sex: Male
- Dominant hand — 90 percent of injuries
- Most common injuries: amputations of tips of fingers; middle finger most often
Common Weather Conditions
- Heavy, wet snow
- Large snow accumulation, greater than six inches
- Temperature of 28 degrees Fahrenheit or greater
Injury Causes
- Snow clogging the exit chute of the machine
- Operator not noticing that the impeller blades are still rotating even though the machine is off
- Operator attempting to clean the clogged exit chute with hands
- Hands connecting with the rotating blades, resulting in severe injury
Snowblowers are safe if used properly
If your snowblower jams:
- Turn it OFF!
- Disengage clutch.
- Wait five seconds after shutting machine off to allow impeller blades to stop rotating.
- ALWAYS use a stick or broom handle to clear impacted snow.
- NEVER put your hand down chute or around blades.
- Keep all shields in place. DO NOT REMOVE the safety devices on the machine.
- Keep hands and feet away from all moving parts.
- Keep a clear head, concentrate, and DO NOT DRINK before using your snowblower!
REMEMBER — SAFETY FIRST AT ALL TIMES!
Copyright © American Society for Surgery of the Hand 2009.
