According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 28,000 people received hospital treatment in 2009 for injuries/strains due to their use of unpowered garden tools (e.g., shovel, rake, etc).
The standard shovel was not ergonomically designed, but has evolved over the last century. Many shovels in use today by consumers were not chosen by them but gifted, inherited or that was the one available in the shed. However, shovels are not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ tool—especially for a female user.
This web resource lists five things to consider when selecting a shovel, tips for reducing body strain, and a brief video on shoveling safely.