Are you a DIY enthusiast? DIY can be a great hobby, providing the chance to learn new skills, save money on outsourcing jobs, and offer the feeling of great satisfaction at the end of a project. With that being said, it can also be dangerous, particularly if you do not come from a trade background.
Hospital admission stats from 2020-21 showed that over 8,000 patients were treated for handy work-related issues.
Cuts
A lot of DIY tasks involve the use of sharp tools, such as saws. As a result, many people injure themselves when using these types of tools. This can be anything from a small cut to far more severe injuries.
No matter how much of an experienced DIYer you are, a slip of the hand can befool anyone, so it is vital to wear adequate protective equipment, including work gloves, in order to avoid nasty cuts and scrapes.
Electrical shocks/burns
Even when working on something with a voltage as low as 50, serious injuries can occur via electric shocks or burns. Therefore, no matter what project you are undertaking, if electricity is involved it is better to be safe than sorry and take proper precautions.
The easiest way to protect yourself when conducting this work is to ensure that all electrical sources are completely switched off throughout the entire duration of your work. This also applies during breaks you may take, especially if any wires will remain exposed. It is also key to wear non-flammable clothing and use tools with rubber handles that are safe around electric currents.
Eye injuries
Often overlooked as a potential DIY injury, a lot of jobs can result in damage to the eyes. This could be caused by a range of activities including sawing and dealing with electrics. These injuries can be fatal and cause long-term issues, so it is very important to protect your eyes when doing DIY.
Wearing protective glasses is the most effective way to look after your eyes. If you are a regular wearer of prescription glasses, do not fall into the trap of thinking that these will provide adequate protection. If you struggle to take part in DIY without your glasses, you should consider purchasing some prescription goggles.
Strains
DIY often involves lifting, carrying, and moving heavy objects, such as flat-pack furniture. As a result, it is common to suffer from pulled muscles.
In order to avoid this type of injury, it is important to use a proper lifting technique to protect yourself. This involves being conscious of your posture when lifting, doing so slowly, and keeping a wide base. It is also important to know when something is simply too heavy for you to personally lift and know