Instead of lifting snow, try to push it as much as possible. When you need to lift a shovel full of snow, be sure to bend your knees and keep your back straight.
More important than the minimal basics above are the following:
1. Shovel as frequently as possible. You can do multiple fast shovels far easier than one heavy shoveling after the snows have stopped. It also allows you take whatever breaks you might need and still be on time for work.
2. Make certain any flower beds are protected with a modest layer of snow because it will insulate them and save your flower bulbs BUT be sure the snow you put there isn't more than a few feet deep and contains no salt or de-icers.
3. Plan ahead. Don't just push your snow to the end of the drive and start piling. After 1 or 2 heavy snows you'll have 6-7 foot piles on which to throw your snow AND it will block your view of the street when you try to exit your drive. Make several spots available for piling your snow and DON'T throw it back into the street!
4. Make sure you clean off and mark where your mailbox is if the snows get deep. Plows can't even try to avoid your mailbox if you don't bother to make it visible to them.
5. Shovel BEFORE walking or driving on your paths. It will make the shoveling much easier and keep your drive clean and free of ice tracks.
6. Finally, keep your vehicles off the streets and as far back in your driveway as possible. In heavy snows the plows can push some heavy ice pack snow 5-6 feet into your drive easily.
7. If shoveling your roof, plan ahead and push the snows off where you will not have to move it again. Once the snow hits the ground even fine powder will compact severely. What was easy to push from the roof will be HEAVY to dig up from your driveway.
8. NO matter how right or left handed you may be, make it a point to change hands and shovel in both ways to save yourself some serious arm and shoulder strain.
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