The pandemic has had an adverse effect on the world as a whole. The lockdown, for instance, necessitated a lot of adjustments in our daily lives, such as the work from home new policies and prevention of interactions outside your home at some point. This warranted many people to learn DIY (Do It Yourself) activities that they can use to repair and fix any mishaps in their homes. This may be fun at first as you discover things such as plumbing or even some aspects of renovation that you can cover yourself. However, considering that you are not professionally qualified to do such activities, they can be potentially dangerous to your health or your family’s health. For this reason, you need to take the following precautions to avoid DIY related injuries and health hazards:
Use the correct lifting and bending techniques
Lifting heavy weights is the root of most injuries and should be done carefully. The tactic should ensure the weight is not on your lower back but on the legs instead. Please do this by bending your knees and maintaining a straight back as you get a firm grip of the heavy load, keeping it close to your body the whole time. It is advisable to kneel on one knee rather than repeat bending, which is dangerous for your back. Try not to bend forward from the hips. It would be best that you seek help or use items such as wheelbarrows or a furniture trolley to prevent accidents from happening.
Do not put too much strain on yourself
When carrying out heavy duties, working with sharp objects, or working in high positions, injuries are prone to happen. These can sometimes be minor with average or little pain. Many people tend to ignore it and continue working, which can be dangerous. You may severely damage soft tissue structures leading to sharper pains and even permanent damage. Always see a qualified practitioner such as a chiropractor and get a proper treatment plan. You must always rest between your jobs, and in case of aches, you must recuperate first.
Maximise the airflow in your working area
Want a new colour to make your space warmer and brighter? Painting the room yourself can be easy, but how well are you prioritising your health? Aside from ensuring that you are using a sturdy ladder when painting higher parts of your house or office, you need to protect your respiratory system. When you inhale paint or other toxic chemicals, you risk getting short-term effects such as headaches, dizziness, breathing, and vision problems. Increased inhalation can also cause nervous system and organ damage. It is crucial that you ensure your working area is well-ventilated and block off other areas to spreading of the debris to other parts of the house
Final thought
It is important to prioritise your health and safety when doing DIY activities. In addition to using the correct techniques, taking resting periods, and working in well-ventilated areas, you should also:
• Avoid any disruptions
• Have someone to assist you where possible
• Be prepared with first aid kits and fire extinguishers
• Choose a good ladder, do not use the two top rungs, and have someone hold it for you
• Most importantly, let professionals handle delicate matters such as gas and electricity-related repairs
