We’re still firmly in winter mode, but with spring just around the corner, many of us are going to start thinking about the DIY projects we can get up to when the weather gets a bit warmer. Yet while DIY projects are a great way to improve our homes and get some new skills under our belts, they also lend themselves to serious injury. And as such, our top priority has to be the safety of both ourselves and those around us. Remember, nobody likes a blood splattered birdhouse, no matter how nice the finish might be. Here’s our top tips to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Doing too Much
It’s easy to get carried away when we get into the groove of a DIY project. Progress is being made, we’re having fun…why would you stop? Well, because the longer you go on, the more at risk you are of injury. If we’re tired, either in our bodies or in our minds, then we’re at a much greater risk of causing injuries. Unfortunately it’s often only when you stop that you realize that you’re drained both physically and mentally, so make sure you stop in well enough time.
Using the Tools
The first step to using tools safely is to buy good tools: buy the best portable table saw or miter saw you can find and you can be sure that they’ll have a safety guard in tact. This doesn’t guarantee there’ll be no injuries, but it does significantly reduce the risk. Beyond that, it’s up to you to ensure that you’re wearing no baggy clothing or jewelry and that you’re in the right frame of mind to concentrate on using the tools properly.
Everything Out The Way
Keeping your work station and the floor space around it clear is paramount. Nothing is more avoidable than an injury caused by a person tripping up on something that should have been put away. When you’ve finished using a tool or instrument, make sure you store it well away from where you’re working. This also creates a more calming space in which to work, which will help you focus better on the task at hand.
Ladders, Ladders, Ladders
Ladders are responsible for a disproportionately high number of accidents at home. It’s possible that people begin to “trust” their ladder, to know that it’s slightly off kilter but is basically OK. Well, it’s only basically OK until…it’s not OK. If you’re working with a damaged ladder, take the time to replace or repair it; it’s the easiest thing in the world.
…And If Something Does Go Wrong
Even if you’re the safest, most danger-alert DIY’er in the world, there’s still a chance something will go wrong. Make sure you always tell someone where you’re working, have a first aid kit on hand, and have a plan for what you’ll do in an emergency, be it calling an ambulance or being taken to the hospital. Remember: the best way to stay safe is to prepare for the worst case scenario.
Mia Guerra
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