45 killed in 3 months in accidents while clearing snow in Japan

Local police have urged people to stay away from the eaves of their houses, and wear helmets and use lifelines if they climb on top of their roofs. Residents have also been asked to work in groups or notify others before and after trying to clear snow to avoid going unnoticed in case of an accident.

All seem like very sensible precautions that should not be hard to follow, getting used to the snow can make some people disregard the very real risks that come with it.

Is it really necessary to join these two articles together?

Be nice to show some respect for the deceased

This is an alarmingly high number of deaths, just for a 3-month period too.

I've just taken a look at the worldwide figures for deaths at ski-resorts throughout the world for last year, which apparently was 42.

The older folk really have to take great care when out in the snow, or alternatively look to a neighbourhood support-group who can organise a clearance rota possibly.

The biggest issue is not to rely on backup. At least have another person standing by to pull you out of the snow once you get buried in it. When you try to remove snow, it's usually better if you have someone near you to observe things. A lot safer this way in case things go wrong.

It's a good idea to keep historical records of snow depth on maps . . . . for future planning.

Opportunity here for a simple snow clearing device to be mounted upon roof tops.

A piece of rope, and two rollers pulled by a motor in one direction and then back again in the opposite should do the job.

70+ year olds literally take their hands going out and risking slipping on icy surfaces…

Streets and snow piles should be cleared daily. 

the challenge is knowing where to put it after it’s been cleared.

Dassai is a great sake and it seems that the company is pretty good too!

Streets and snow piles should be cleared daily. 

I highly doubt you have ever been to the area and actually seen the amounts of snow they get in a very short amount of time.

You didnt think this one through too well before typing.