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Handyman Tells Safe Way To Shovel Dirt

  
  
  

shovelAs a handyman, most of my jobs have to do with the repair of houses. However, occasionally a customer might have some exterior work to do. That means using a shovel and moving dirt or landscape rock. This is a recipe for a sore back.

YOu can practice some good safety tips to minimize injury to yourself. First of all, start with heavy work gloves and thick-soled boots or shoes. You will find yourself stomping on the shovel, and regular tennis shoes won't cut it. Also, use the right shovel. A pointed shovel (called a spade) is good for digging a hole into the ground, while a flat head shovel is good for scooping dirt or landscape rock.

The most important thing to minimize back soreness is to not use your back when doing this type of work. That means staying as vertical as possible when working. If you lean over you risk soreness. Use the shovel as the tool.

To scoop up dirt or rock, push the shovel in with your foot. When it comes time to lift the weight you will have your forward hand about midway down the handle and your rear hand on the end of the handle. Push your leading hip against your forward hand to gain as much dirt or rock on the shovel. Your are staying verticle and just pushing the blade into the material. Finally, use your front hand as a folcrum and push down on the handle with your rear hand. Think of a see-saw. Dump the weight in the designated area and do it all again.

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