DIY is fun, but it can also be dangerous. Every year, in the US, and most other parts of the world, tens of thousands of people end up in the emergency department because of accidents they had while doing up their properties.
To help to reduce your chances of ending up in that situation we have put together these safety tips.
Wear the right kit
One of the most important things you can do is to wear the right safety equipment. You may not look your best in a hard hat, but wearing one is preferable to suffering a head injury that leaves you permanently disabled.
Read the instructions
If you are using power tools, it is important to read the manual before you start work. Doing so, will not only keep you safe, it will also help you to use the equipment properly, which means you will get better results.
Follow them
However, this will only happen if you actually follow the instructions. You will not be surprised to learn that many people read them, and decide they know better, so ignore them. An approach that is never wise.
Be aware of the dangers
The first step to avoiding accidents is being aware of the dangers. For example, if you know that every year thousands of people seriously injure themselves by falling off ladders you will automatically be extra careful when you use one.
If you want to find out more about the dangers of DIY work, you can do so easily by watching this video. It will only take you 10 minutes to do so.
Make safety part of the planning process
When you sit down to plan your project, think about safety. Think about what is involved in the task and where the potential accident risks are, and familiarize yourself with ways to reduce them. Work out what safety equipment you will need. Then check that you have it all, and that it is all in good working condition.
Do not buy cheap safety equipment
There is no point in taking the time to put on the right safety equipment if it is not well made enough to provide the protection you need. It is important to invest in high quality items that you know are property made, and comply with the necessary standards. The last thing you need is to discover that your safety glasses are not strong enough by getting a shard of plastic in your eye when they shatter.
Keeping others safe
If you are careful, it is relatively easy to keep yourself safe, but when you are carrying out DIY projects, it is also important to think about the safety of others. Taking simple steps like putting up a safety sign to warn people that a surface is wet, and therefore, slippery, considerably reduces the chance of a slip and fall accident occurring.
Provide you follow the tips above, and do not rush your DIY projects you should stay safe, and avoid injuries.
