RoSPA Press Office : Press Release
April 21, 2000
TOP TEN DIY DANGERS THIS EASTER
Knives are number one in the Top Ten of Dangerous Tools, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents stressed today in support of the Government’s campaign to cut Easter DIY casualties.
Accidents with knives used in do-it-yourself lead to more than 22,000 people in the UK needing hospital treatment each year.
The other most dangerous tools in the RoSPA Top Ten hit list are: No. 2, Saws (14,000); 3, Grinders (5,400); 4, Hammers (4,500); 5, Chisels 4,200; 6, Screwdrivers (3,800); 7, Welding equipment (3,000); 8, Power drills, 2,600; 9, Axes, 2,100; 10, Spanners (2,000).
DIY materials too can lead to disaster. The top five to take extra care with are: Paving blocks and bricks (21,000 accidents), Planks (19,000), Nails and tacks (18,000); Metal bars (4,500) and Floor and wall tiles (2,300).
Every year 70 people are killed and 250,000 are injured doing DIY - about 100,000 have to go to hospital. Easter is seen as the start of the DIY season and the Department of Trade and Industry is circulating thousands of free tool safety leaflets in major DIY outlets.
David Jenkins, RoSPA Product Safety Adviser, said: "We urge people to take these leaflets home and read them carefully before starting a DIY job. One of the biggest problems is that people do not plan well enough in advance, they often don’t have the right tools for the job or read the instructions that go with them.
"If you are hiring tools, it is vital you have a demonstration, wear the appropriate safety gear and are given the necessary safety advice.
"The new Government survey showing lack of knowledge and awareness about DIY dangers is worrying but not surprising. Far too many people overestimate their capabilities and end up in hospital.
"As well as the items in our lists of dangerous tools and materials, another 30,000 people fall from ladders being used around the home. People must be honest, if they are not up to doing a job they should leave it to the professionals.
"Something that a television expert can make look easy is often much harder in practice."
