There is a reason why most accidents at home are caused whilst carrying out a DIY task and that is you!
Accidents don’t happen they are caused and most accidents happen to “experienced” DIY’ers and not those who are attempting it for the first time.
Basic Rules to adhere to.
There are some basic rules to DIY Safety
- Do not carry out a task that is beyond your capability and do not over estimate your capabilities. i.e. If you know nothing about electrics do not attempt any work on your electrical installation until you know enough to complete it safely.
- Do not use tools until you know how to operate them safely. If you buy a new tool read the instructions fully and practice in a safe area first.
- Ensure your work area is safe and there are no obstacles that are likely to become entangled in your operations.
- Use the right tool and protective equipment for the job – don’t “make do”
If you are careful when carrying out your DIY and keep your work area clean then there should be no reason for you to add to the accident statistics everyone loves to quote.
Reasons to be Safety Conscious
The Government have carried out research into DIY accidents and below are four of their key findings into what is likely to cause an accident.
Price – decisions on whether to carry out a DIY task or use professionals, or whether to purchase or hire the correct equipment, are price sensitive. Men, in particular, are much more willing to “give a job a go” if they think they will make substantial savings by doing so. Similarly, safety appears to be less of a priority than reliability and price when purchasing tools, particularly for small, one-off jobs.
Pride – once a decision has been made to undertake a particular DIY task, then risks associated with that task can be underestimated because of the desire “not to be beaten” by the job.
Over-estimation of knowledge – those more experienced in carrying out DIY tasks, can sometimes over-estimate their knowledge. This is often based on other unrelated experience which can make them consider themselves exceptionally competent at any DIY task. They are, therefore, more likely to attempt more complex and ‘risky’ tasks, without being equipped with the appropriate knowledge.
Under-estimation of the task – smaller, infrequent and quick tasks tend to be associated with lower risks, even though in reality the actual safety precautions, knowledge and equipment needed to complete the task are the same, regardless of the size of the job. For example, using a ladder for a couple of minutes to reach a high cupboard is perceived as being a low risk activity, despite the fact that the same safety precautions need to be followed for checking, erecting and using the ladder, as when it is going to be used all day for painting the exterior of a house.
