During the global pandemic, a lot of homeowners have undertaken household repair and maintenance projects. According to the prediction by the Home Improvement Research Institute, Americans spent $439.9 billion on home improvement products in 2020.
Like other home build projects, home repairs are hectic and dangerous when you are doing it yourself. Accidents and injuries involving the use of tools and equipment can occur in many different ways. The lack of experience and knowledge of best practices can also lead to mistakes committed by homeowners who do DIY projects.
Planning to jump into a home improvement project? Here are some home repair-related hazards you look out for:
Slips and Falls
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one million Americans suffer a slip, trip, and fall injury. It’s also the leading cause of injuries resulting in 17, 000 deaths a year. Whether you are changing a light bulb or repairing your gutters, you need a ladder to get the job done.
Accidents tend to occur when homeowners or even handymen choose the wrong size ladder for a job or use improper footwear. Reduce fall hazards by following ladder safety practices and wearing slip-resistant shoes with plenty of traction.
Electrocution
DIY electrical repairs are never a good idea. When you are experiencing electrical issues in your home, you might attempt to try your hand at repair because it’s a lot cheaper. However, most electrical work around the home should be done by a trained and experienced professional. Accidents like electrical shocks and burns will happen when you tackle a project that is beyond your skill level.
Prevent electrical fires and injuries by hiring a qualified and licensed electrician. They follow proper protocols and measures and ensure no further damage will occur. If you want to make the right decision for your safety, forget about dabbling in electrical repairs and let the pros handle it.
Puncture Wound and Skin Lacerations
Power tool-related injuries are pretty common when undertaking DIY projects. When you work with a saw, knife, or any other power tool, you run the chance of cutting yourself. Nails, screws, and bolts are puncture hazards, so keep your work area clean. Since sharp objects can still pierce through your shoes, wear safety boots and closed-toe shoes that are puncture resistant.
Eye Injuries
During DIY home repairs, there will be a lot of wood chips, splinters, and debris flying across different directions. Your eyes are extremely vulnerable to these tiny objects. It’s essential to wear eye protection like safety goggles.
If you are working with saws and other power tools, pick safety eyewear with side shields for optimum protection. Likewise, wear appropriate goggles that protect the entire eye area when you’re working with liquid or powder chemicals.
Chemical Burns
One of the most common home improvement projects is painting. You need various chemicals in priming and painting cabinets and exterior walls. Exposure to paint and its fumes cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks in some people. You might experience nausea, headache, and skin irritation.
Protect yourself against exposure to toxic chemicals and products by wearing a mask, gloves, and protective clothing. You should pay attention to all label warnings and instructions and only use chemicals in a well-ventilated area. For lead-based paints, a certified respirator is required to filter out particulates and pathogens.
Let’s Handle Your Home Repairs
Even if you have the tools to carry out a DIY project, you need to ask yourself if it is worth it with all the hazards present. Before you don your hard hat, call Handyman Pittsburgh & Co. for your “honey-do” list. We perform different maintenance tasks and do renovations while putting your safety first! Hiring a professional handyman is better to be safe than punctured and injured. Get in touch with us for any inquiries or concerns.