Use caution when using snow blowers

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - With the first significant snowfall here, people should use extreme caution when using snow blowers.

Each year, 5,000 people in this country suffer a hand injury from using a snow blower. Some of those injuries can be severe like losing a finger.

Hand surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Wint of the Hand Center of western Massachusetts says if you're snow blower jams, turn it off and never put your hands or feet in the intake or outtake.

If you have a snow blower that has a clutch, disengage the clutch. Then wait or delay about 10-15 seconds because it takes time for the machine to calm down and then use a stick.

Dr. Wint also said that 500 people each year lose a finger as a result of a snow blower injury.