In America, and many other parts of the world, homeowners like to decorate and maintain their house themselves. Many people only call in a professional when they have a complex task to do, or when local legislation will not allow them to do the work themselves.
The fact that so many homeowners do much of this type of work is a good thing. It gives people an interest, and a productive way to spend their leisure time. However, there is a problem. Sadly, every year, tens of thousands of people injure themselves while fixing up their home.
Falling from ladders
Over the past 10 years, the number of ladder injuries has increased by around 50%. Why that is the case is not 100% clear, but one thing is certain – ladders are dangerous. Before using one, it is wise to review this safety video. If you do not use a ladder often, it really is worth pausing for 10 minutes and watching it every time you use one. That way the safety steps you need to take will be clear in your mind, and you are less likely to make a mistake that could lead to you being injured.
Power tool injuries
According to a government survey carried out in 2003, in the USA, 400,000 people ended up in A&E after having an accident that involved a power tool. Alarmingly, those figures do not include people who were injured by powered garden tools, or those who died before they made it to hospital.
There is no doubt, if you use power tools you have to be super careful. You need to read the instructions, and follow them. Wearing the proper safety gear is also important.
If you tend to forget to put these things on it is well worth buying a personal safety sign online and putting it up on the cupboard where you keep your power tools. Keeping your safety gear, for example eye protection and ear protectors in the same cupboard as your power tools will remind you to kit up before using your power tools.
Electrocution
Another common cause of death, or injury, for people working on their homes is electrocution. If you do not know what you are doing, messing with electrics is extremely dangerous. Even if you are lucky and do not end up injuring yourself while fixing your home electrics you may still end up getting hurt, or injuring the ones you love. This is because poor wiring creates a fire hazard, and can lead to people being electrocuted when using home appliances.
To be safe you really need to employ a qualified electrician. It really is not worth doing it yourself and risking the lives of yourself, and your family.
Sharp instrument cuts
Unsurprisingly, knives, scalpels, chisels and other sharp tools regularly cause injuries. If you are using these tools, it is always wise to clamp the object you are cutting, if you can. Never rush a project that involves the use of a sharp instrument, or tool.
Thinking about safety before you start a project will get you in the right frame of mind.