In the profusion of daily coronavirus news, a few messages caught our special attention. Trauma doctors signal a noticeable increase in do-it-yourselfers who need first aid because of injuries sustained while doing odd jobs.
Understandable that people who are forced to stay at home do not want to spend their days useless and tackle all kinds of jobs that they normally do not get around to. But, as trauma surgeon Gust van Monfort of the Eindhoven Catharina Hospital summarizes: “Now don’t go cleaning gutters or using a circular saw if you haven’t touched that thing for two years.”
A selection from the news
The British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons insists on avoiding any type of job that could lead to injury.
Data shows that since the introduction of lockdown, there has been a spike in the number of injuries caused by power tools, from saws and drills to lawn mowers.
Hospitals are seeing an increase in serious eye injuries caused by DIY accidents. Oxford Eye Hospital reported that the number of people needing surgery due to eye trauma had increased significantly since the social distance measures came into effect. Usually, the hospital receives one serious injury every two weeks, but now this has increased to six patients in one week.
Dr. John Patterson, Clinical Director with the NHS: “Aside from the coronavirus, there is only an increase in the number of people coming to the hospital in one area: DIY accidents.”
Keep doing odd jobs, but protect yourself
Of course, at Klium, we are the last to say that you shouldn’t tackle projects in your home or garden. Right now it is important to do something meaningful with your time. But be extra careful, for your own health and for others who badly need medical care.
Safe DIY tips
Use good tools. Work only with properly maintained tools. Drills, saws, lawnmower blades, chisels and other tools should be sharp, clean and undamaged.
Work organized and concentrated. Provide space around you and good lighting. Avoid anything that can distract you from your work.
Protect yourself. Safety glasses, work gloves and safety shoes are certainly not an unnecessary luxury for many jobs.
Be alert. Definitely don’t do risky jobs when you’re tired or don’t feel well.
Do not wear loose-fitting clothes or loose hair when working with machines.
Take precautions when working on a ladder. Injury from a ladder fall is the most common reason why do-it-yourselfers end up in a hospital emergency room. Read our advice in Working safely with a ladder.
