Preventing DIY Injuries: How To Stay Safe During Home Improvement Projects

Although it’s always recommended to seek the help of a professional when it comes to home improvement, some people opt to do it themselves. Whether they have relevant skills that can be applied to home projects or they just have an interest in the field, their home and personal safety lie in their own hands. If you’re attempting a project on your own, make sure you know the facts for protecting yourself as best as you can.

Unsuccessful attempts
When you take into account the heavy materials and complicated steps involved in many home improvement projects, you may not be surprised to learn that they cause a significant number of hospital visits each year. About 54 percent of all unintentional injuries occurred in the home, according to the National Safety Council. In fact, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reported that, in 1 year, 511,000 people were treated for injuries resulting from ladder accidents, 7,500 from power tools and 569,000 from moving heavy furniture. Projects as complex as roof repair and as simple as rearranging a room could result in serious injury, so it’s important to seek appropriate assistance when you’re making any kind of change to your home that requires physical exertion.

How you can stay safe
If you determine that you’re able to handle the physical requirements necessary for your home improvement project, there are some tips for reducing your chances of injury. For starters, if you’re working on your siding or roof and you must use a ladder, be especially careful. Even if you don’t fear heights, you need to take caution when setting up and climbing a ladder. Always place them down on flat, dry surfaces that are sure to remain stable, and balance your weight appropriately. Accidents can happen when they’re set up on soft surfaces and when users lean over too far on either side.

Just as good posture is important when using a ladder, it’s also crucial when using power tools. If you’re bending or crouching, you’re more likely to use the tool incorrectly and get injured as a result. Also, while it may seem counterintuitive, the sharper your tools, the safer they are. When they’re dull, they’re prone to breaking and causing you harm. 

How you carry yourself is also essential to safely lifting heavy items. To avoid back strain, bend at your knees rather than your waist, and use your leg muscles to carry heavy items appropriately. As with every physically intensive home project, always ask for help from a partner when necessary.