A WARRINGTON company is warning people to take care to avoid injury if doing DIY projects over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Fitout, housing and maintenance specialists Morris and Spottiswood, of Birchwood, is advising people to stay safe by wearing proper protective clothing and following basic health and safety rules.
The company says that
every year thousands of people turn up in Accident and Emergency departments across the country as a result of DIY accidents, with falls from ladders and injuries from knives and saws being the biggest offenders.
The company’s regional health and safety manager Dave Thompson said the 10 most dangerous tools are step ladders, knives and scalpels, saws, grinders, hammers, screwdrivers, power drills, axes, planes and welding equipment.
He said: “Many accidents could be avoided by following a few basic health and safety rules. Far too many men in particular think they are too macho to wear gloves, goggles and sturdy shoes. We would never work on a construction site without wearing protective clothing and the same should apply when people are carrying out DIY.
“Often people don’t take time to prepare and plan the work they are going to carry out and this is another big mistake. No DIY task – big or small – should be rushed.”
He advises people not to overestimate their capabilities and if in doubt about a task or using a particular tool, to seek expert advice. He said gas and electrical work in particular should only be carried out by a professional.
