HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2011-10-20, Page 14PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011.Keep safe and alert while ‘doing it yourself’
MS – Tough economic times call
for even tougher measures – and for
many homeowners this means
getting hands-on with home
improvement projects.
Although do-it-yourself (DIY)
projects can save money in theory,
they also may result in a trip to the
hospital if safety precautions aren’t
followed.
According to recent statistics, 85
per cent of homeowners are tackling
some projects around the house
rather than hiring outside
contractors. In this difficult
economy, emergency rooms are
seeing an influx of people coming in
with injuries ranging from
lacerations to puncture wounds from
nail guns.
John and Jane Do-It-Yourselfer
have easy access to home-
improvement supplies and tools at
the local home centre. He or she also
may be inspired by any of the
myriad shows on television
instructing individuals to give
renovations a try.
However, many homeowners are
not schooled in proper safety
procedures or do not know how to
use tools correctly. This is a recipe
for injury.
Common injuries include:
• Falls from ladders or
scaffolding.
• Hand and finger injuries –
including amputation – from power
saws and grinder/sanders.
• Nail gun injuries; since 1991,
these injuries have increased by 200
per cent.
• Eye injuries and breathing
difficulties.
Homeowners should consider the
risks of improvements before
beginning. They should also take
precautions to do improvements in
the safest manner possible.
• Always read the manufacturers’
safety information and usage
guidelines for any tools before the
are put to use.
• Turn off electrical current to
rooms and outlets prior to doing any
electrical repairs.
• Wear proper safety equipment,
including goggles, dust masks or
respirators, boots and gloves.
• Store chemicals in a locked
cabinet or on a high shelf out of
reach of children and pets.
• Be cautious of power cords.
Always unplug tools and turn off the
switches when the item is not in use.
• Do not climb past the top rung of
ladders. Do not use furniture or
stacked items as a ladder.
• Jobs such as electrical work, roof
work, gas projects or major
plumbing issues are better left to a
skilled contractor.
• Make sure drill bits and saw
blades are sharp. Dull tools can
result in injuries.
• Keep fire extinguishers and a
good first aid kit readily available at
all times.
There is no cost savings that make
risking a disability worth it. If a
project is beyond an individual’s
scope of ability, hire a professional
instead.
PAUL COOK
ELECTRIC
• Home, Farm
& Commercial Wiring
BELGRAVE
Paul
519-357-1537
McGavin
Compact Equipment
519-887-6365 Walton 1-877-887-6365
For Fall Clean-up
and backyard projects
we’ve got the equipment
you need.
Rental Equipment Available
- skid steers - excavators - garden tillers
and much more
- call for availability & details
Equipment Also Available For Sale
- chainsaws - wood chippers, etc.
Aim and go
With the amount of do-it-yourselfers out there at an all-time
high, injuries can also be on the rise. Safety is paramount
when tackling a home improvement project on your own.
(MS photo)
Find a job or advertise
a job on the
Jobs In Huron
section of
our website
www.northhuron.on.ca
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