Proper DIY: No half measures!
Every year, around 57,000 Swiss people have accidents while caring for and maintaining their homes and gardens and doing other DIY work. An analysis by the bfu - Swiss Council for Accident Prevention shows that the risk of accidents is much higher here than with other unpaid household chores such as cooking or cleaning.
Quickly drill a hole to hang a picture, build a birdhouse with a jigsaw or hose down the garden furniture with a high-pressure cleaner. Do it yourself is popular. Unfortunately, this is also reflected in the accident figures: In Switzerland, 57,000 accidents occur each year during care and maintenance of the home and garden as well as during other do-it-yourself activities. The reasons for this are a lack of competence in handling equipment and machines, their incorrect use and working under time pressure. In addition, defective equipment or equipment in poor condition, as well as repairs and cleaning on running machines, repeatedly lead to accidents. Proper DIY has to be learned!
How to tackle it the right way
You should keep your hands off half-measures. This is especially true when it comes to DIY. An analysis of the bfu has shown that the risk of accidents during DIY is particularly high compared to other unpaid work around the house, such as cleaning or cooking. To avoid accidents, the following tips should be followed:
- Instruction manual: Familiarize yourself with electrical equipment and the possible dangers. Read the operating instructions before switching on for the first time.
- Protective equipment: Wear protective equipment. Depending on the work and equipment, this may include safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, dust protection, solid shoes. Appropriate clothing is just as important as tying up long hair.
- Residual current circuit breaker: Always use a residual current circuit breaker (RCD) when working outdoors. A RCD interrupts the circuit immediately and can thus save lives.
- Alcohol: Refrain from alcohol during demanding tasks.
Video: The bfu video shows how to handle angle grinders, hand drills, jigsaws and high-pressure cleaners without accidents.
Anyone who has an accident while DIYing will be absent from work later. In order to make employees aware of the dangers of DIY, the bfu is launching a Communication package. The so-called SafetyKits include a poster, a video spot, a flyer and a presentation to raise employee awareness. The message to employees is clear: "No half measures - smart DIYers protect themselves."
Text: bfu
