LANDSCAPE ONTARIO – WORKPLACE SAFETY TAILGATE TALKS
© 2026, WSPS.CA 101
SHOVELLING
Personal Protective Equipment
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What is the most common injury related to shovelling?
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Paying atention to the proper use of a shovel and technique
will help prevent personal injury and loss of work time.
Prevention Points
Hand shovelling for lengthy periods of time with poor technique
may lead to serious back injuries, which is the number one cause
of lost time in our industry. Proper work techniques will help
minimize/eliminate these injuries. Here are some preventive points
to consider:
Review the General Health & Safety Best Practices section on
page 11 before performing any task.
Keep feet shoulder distance apart for balance and maintain
solid footing.
Put weight on the front foot and push on the top of the shovel.
Shift weight to the back foot as you lift the load and bring it
close to the body. Lift the load with your legs, keeping the
loaded shovel close to the body and centre of gravity.
Turn your front foot in the direction you want to shovel the load.
Avoid turning/twisting your body while shovelling.
Properly warming up and stretching the muscle groups being
used for the task at hand before starting, during and after.
