How to Stay Safe During Home Improvement Projects

Starting a home remodeling project can be very exciting, but it can also bring up concerns about accidents and injuries occurring. 

Even for the professionals, accidents are a possibility. Luckily, there are many different steps you can take and precautions you can put in place to help you avoid getting into an accident or getting injured while working on your home. 

Before the Project Begins

Before you get started, make sure that you have the right equipment for the projects you’re looking to complete and that it works properly. If you don’t have the right equipment and you’re committed to a true DIY, there are many different options for buying or renting safe equipment. You want to avoid using outdated equipment because it could easily lead to an accident. Additionally, take the time to read the manual or instructions for each piece of equipment to make sure you’re using it correctly.

It is also important that the space or room of the house you’re working in stays clean and organized. Specifically, make sure you put away anything that’s lying on the floor and in high-traffic areas such as hallways or stairs. This way, you will avoid accidentally tripping on an object while you’re trying to focus on your renovation. 

If your project will produce any fumes, dust, or other particles you could potentially breathe in, make sure to have a supply of masks in the house. We recommend N95 particulate respirator masks because they filter out 95 percent of small particles. They are also inexpensive, light-weight, and comfortable to wear for long periods of time. 

General Home Remodeling Safety Tips

Overall, the safer you can be, the more likely you will avoid any mishaps. The general rule of thumb is: if you think something is wrong or looks dangerous, it probably is.

Protective Clothing

Here are the most important safety tips for your renovation attire:

  • Wear closed-toed shoes at all times to protect your feet. 
  • Wear safety goggles if you’re spraying, drilling, or sawing to protect them from dust and debris. 
  • Wear earplugs if the tools you’ll be using make excess noise. 
  • Always wear thick gloves when you’re handling or using tools. 
  • If you’re spray painting or spraying any mold removal or herbicides, make sure to cover from head to toe by wearing socks, closed-toed shoes, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and gloves.

Safeguarding Against Fires 

Unfortunately, fires can start from a small mechanical spark or outlet mishap. Here are some precautionary steps you can take:

  • Make sure smoke detectors are properly installed and have new batteries in case something catches fire after you have left the room.
  • Keep electrical appliances wrapped and away from water.
  • Have a fire extinguisher in an easily accessible location in the house. 
  • Avoid overloading outlets and extension cords.

Avoiding Slips and Falls

Injuries that occur from a fall are one of the most common when it comes to home remodeling accidents. Here is what we recommend to avoid a bad fall: 

  • Place non-slip strips or floor mats in rooms that have tile or wood flooring, especially kitchens, bathrooms, and stairs. 
  • Always wear shoes with tread. 
  • For stable ladders, place the ladder one foot away from a wall for every four feet of height.
  • If you are not steady on your feet or don’t feel comfortable, ask a family, friend, or neighbor to complete the task with the ladder for you. 

Common Home Remodeling Injuries + How to Prevent Them

As a local North Texas ER, we’ve seen and treated a lot of injuries that occurred during home renovation projects. For reference, here are the most common causes for injuries during home renovations: 

  • Lawn Mowers
  • Ladders
  • Power Tools
  • Sharp Objects
  • Mechanical Sparks

It’s important that you are aware of when and where you are most at risk for an accident or injury so you can properly prepare and stay alert.

Accidents that occur during home renovations can cause injuries that range from concussions to broken bones to bruises, burns, cuts, and muscle tears.

The “Buddy System”

We recommend that you always have someone at home with you when working on your renovations. This is often known as the “buddy system.” This is a simple and important safety step you can take. 

Having a family member, friend, or neighbor there with you can often mitigate the risk when you’re climbing a ladder, lifting heavy tools, or moving furniture. They will also be there to apply first aid or take you to be treated if needed.

What to Do if You Are Injured

If you are ever injured, have someone immediately take you to an ER Near Me so you can be properly assessed and treated if necessary. No matter the injury, you never want to drive after an accident. Pain can negatively impact your reaction time and focus which can lead to a more serious accident on the road. 

At ER Near Me, we treat head injuries, broken bones, cuts, burns, and many other injuries you might get from an accident at home. 

If you’re wondering why you should visit an ER rather than a hospital after an accident, check out our blog, 6 Key Differences Between an ER and a Hospital. 

If your injury is minor, call your doctor and administer first aid as needed.

For some post-injury help, download our cheat sheet on the Do’s and Don’ts for Recovering From an Injury. 

ER Near Me Do's and don'ts for recovering from an injury