Accidental falls during rooftop snow removal are rising in Japan's snowy regions as winter deepens, highlighting the need for strict safety measures. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency reports that 68 people died from snow-related causes last winter, with 51—three-quarters—linked to snow removal accidents, and nearly 90% of victims aged 65 or older. Experts warn of the dangers of working at heights and advise assessing necessity before starting.
In Japan's snowy regions, accidental falls from rooftops during snow removal are becoming more common as temperatures drop, making safety precautions essential for those undertaking the task. Measures such as wearing safety lines and avoiding solo work are critical, alongside vigilance against injuries from icicles or sliding snow.
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency recorded 68 snow-related deaths last winter, with 51—or three-quarters—attributable to snow removal accidents like clearing roofs. Nearly 90% of the deceased were 65 or older. Seiji Kamimura, professor of snow and ice engineering at Nagaoka University of Technology, cautioned: “Clearing snow from high roofs is dangerous due to the risk of falling. Before you do it, you should consider whether it’s really necessary.”
Local standards dictate the snow load residential buildings must withstand; if snowfall stays below that threshold, removal isn't required. For unexpected heavy snow, Kamimura advises against sunny days—when snow softens—or rainy ones—when surfaces slicken—and suggests early mornings in cold conditions, with teams of two or more.
Sweat from the labor can chill workers, so opt for easy-to-layer clothes, moisture-wicking base layers, waterproof outerwear like windbreakers, helmets, and safety harnesses. Essential is a roof-center anchor for securing lines; some municipalities subsidize installations. When using long poles to dislodge snow, avoid standing beneath eaves to prevent sudden slides.
Dangers extend beyond roofs. Accumulated snow under eaves can bury people deeper than their height, risking suffocation or hypothermia. Katsuya Yamashita, chief researcher at the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience’s Snow and Ice Research Center, warned: “You should remember that if you become completely buried in snow, you won’t be able to free yourself.” Inform family or neighbors before starting, and carry a smartphone or emergency whistle.
When navigating home grounds, wear anti-slip boots, stick to visible footprints, and probe obscured paths with a stick. Falling snow chunks from roofs can cause fractures; from three meters up, they may strike three to four meters away. Yamashita advises: “Do not approach dangerous eaves. Walk at a safe distance from them.”