If you’re among the millions of do-it-yourselfers working around homes and gardens, you may not pay much attention to the risk of injury.
However, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that thousands of men and women will visit hospital emergency rooms each year for injuries linked to yard and garden equipment, home workshops or cleaning and painting supplies.
Here are a few safety tips that can help in avoiding accidents during any repair or remodeling projects.
Read the directions
Before using any electrical equipment or chemical, consult the owner’s manual or instruction labels.
Dress for the job
Wear gloves, shoes, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, hearing protection and safety glasses/goggles.
Handle tools properly
Have respect for saws and drills. Don’t use the wrong tool for a specific job — a chisel as a can opener, for instance. Don’t leave power tools plugged in and unattended.
Keep children and pets safe
When using power tools, including lawn equipment or chemicals, ban children and pets from the area.
Use your head
Overconfidence is as likely to cause an accident as inexperience. There’s no shame in asking for help.