Just before a snowfall, spread a little sand, rock salt or cat litter on steps, paths and driveways to prevent snow from sticking.
Don't lift snow; push it. If you must lift, bend your knees and keep your lower back straight. Carry the loaded shovel close to your body.
Start shovelling as soon as 1-2in/25-50mm of snow falls on the ground and never let more than 2in/50mm accumulate.
To avoid pulling a back or shoulder muscle, warm up indoors with a few minutes of light callisthenics and stretching exercises.
Use a small snow shovel or fill only half of a large one. For hard-packed snow use a garden shovel.
To keep snow from sticking to a shovel, cover it with two thick coats of car wax.
