RoSPA Press Office : Press Release
March 29, 2000
DANGER WEEKEND LOOMS FOR DIY FANS
Hundreds of over-ambitious and over-tired DIY enthusiasts will spend Easter in hospital instead of enjoying their handiwork, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents warned today as it welcomed a new safety alert from the Department of Trade and Industry.
RoSPA says among the reasons DIY injuries double over the holiday weekend are people tackling jobs that are beyond their capabilities and for which they have inadequate tools and safety gear.
They do jobs at home in a way which they would never be allowed to at work.
"Tiredness, over exertion and alcohol are other problems which people often don't take into consideration," RoSPA Product Safety Adviser, David Jenkins, said.
RoSPA is backing Consumer Affairs Minister, Kim Howells' campaign to reduce DIY injuries. Seventy people are killed and 250,000 a year injured in DIY-related accidents.
David Jenkins said: "Employers have to ensure the safety of their employees and provide enough people to do the job, proper training, well-maintained tools and safety equipment.
"There are no such rules governing people in their homes. DIY fans often do jobs operating potentially dangerous equipment which they have not been trained to use, lifting and moving loads which are beyond their capabilities, using the wrong tools and no safety equipment.
"They don't plan well enough in advance and run out of time to do the job - that leads to them rushing and making mistakes. Working long hours on DIY after spending a hard day at work or after you have been drinking can also lead to trouble."
It is essential to plan a job and have all the right safety gear like goggles, masks and gloves. Keep tools properly maintained.
When lifting: stand close to the object, feet spread on either side of the load to give stability; keep the natural shape of the back, bend the knees and avoid stooping; breathe in and slowly straighten the legs; hold the object close to your body.
Don't be over-ambitious. Using an expert can save money and pain in the long run.
