A poll of 2,000 adults found 90% have taken on home improvement at one time or another, with 12% needing medical attention during the process
A whopping two thirds of adults have experienced a DIY-related accident, with common mishaps including hammering fingers, banging heads on beams, and accidentally supergluing fingers together. A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that 90% have attempted home improvement at some point, with 12% requiring medical attention as a result.
The accidents ranged from slipping on a wet floor (14%), receiving electric shocks (15%), to stepping on nails (14%). Interestingly, of those who’ve ever sustained an eye injury, 43% confessed this occurred while doing some DIY. With spring in full bloom, 51% said the arrival of warmer weather has inspired them to kickstart a new project at home this year.
While nine out of ten Brits have hired professionals to complete urgent home projects, the study showed that adults are spending an average of seven hours a month on DIY tasks, with top jobs including painting walls (67%), hanging curtains (59%), replacing door handles (37%), and fixing leaks (25%).
This research was commissioned by Specsavers, who has partnered with Stryder Eyewear to launch a new range of safety eyewear.
Dr Nigel Best, the brand’s optometrist, commented: “There is a genuine passion for DIY and home improvement in the UK, and people gain tremendous satisfaction from enhancing their living spaces.
“While minor mishaps are part of any DIY journey, the most successful projects consider proper preparation – including appropriate safety measures.
“Taking simple precautions like wearing protective eyewear and hearing protection allows DIYers to take on their projects with total confidence.”
Over half of those who have taken on projects themselves, said saving money was their main reason for doing so. However, four in ten admitted they weren’t confident in their own skills, potentially leading to DIY injuries.
Nigel Best, from Specsavers, commented: “Completing projects gives us such a fantastic sense of accomplishment, we just need to remember to take the necessary precautions and look after ourselves at the same time – a weekend project is never worth a trip to A&E.
“We strongly encourage DIY enthusiasts to put their safety first and take steps to prevent avoidable injury. “.