I am writing in response to an article written by Michelle Manchir from Tuesday, Dec. 28th regarding avoiding hand injuries while using snow blowers. Ms. Manchir quotes Jon Hoch from Power Equipment Direct in Bolingbrook and Dr. Carlos Martinez from Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital. Both men agreed that staying focused and eliminating distractions is the most important factor in avoiding hand injuries while using a snow blower. I strongly disagree. While staying focused is important, the first safety rule when using a snow blower is: always turn the machine off before trying to clean any ice, snow, or other debris from the snow blower’s chute. Once the machine is turned off, the chute can be cleaned with a tool, not your hand. I have been involved in snow removal for over 30 years and the most important safety rule there is with snow blowers is always turn the machine off before attempting to unclog the discharge chute.
— Ron Reed, Libertyville
