DIY Accidents

Each year there are around 70 deaths and a quarter of a million serious injuries. Of these, 100,000 are injured seriously enough to warrant a visit to casualty – and most accidents are due to either carelessness or lack of knowledge. A few moments planning and reading instructions rather than rushing a task and taking risks would also help to reduce the accident toll.

A survey carried out by MORI pollsters for the DTI shows that behaviour plays a large part in DIY accidents. For instance, the average consumer could spot only five out of eleven potential safety hazards on a stepladder when tested. Knowledge of Residual Current Devices was even worse – half the consumers polled had no idea what they were, and a further quarter who had heard of them had little knowledge of what they do. Other interesting facts:

• simple lack of knowledge can cause accidents - 85% of people who use stepladders are not aware that they are designed to be used square onto a wall, rather than parallel to it, for maximum stability
   
• women know less about DIY than men and are more at risk of an injury – for example, women knew far less about residual current devices – 72% had never heard of them.
   
• risk assessment is often wrong – many men over-estimate their ability to do some tasks, and are determined not to be beaten by a job, where in truth they need more knowledge, the right tools and someone to help.