DIY Enthusiasts Face Danger from Saws, Ladders and Nail Guns

The summer means it’s time to do that big DIY project you may have put off for months around the house or in the garage.

But the warmer months also entail an upsurge in mishaps which can land you up in the nearest hospital if you are not careful.

In a recent article in the Virginian-Pilot, Frank Counselman, a physician at Sentara General Hospital, outlined some of the most dangerous implements used by “weekend warriors.”

The article listed the following as the most dangerous piece of equipment or activities in the hands of keen DIYers.

Nail Guns

It may be easier to use a nail gun that to swing a hammer but Counselman points out they fire heavy gauge nails at almost 500 feet per second and 125 pounds per square inch, which is enough to puncture your brain. Head injuries, fortunately, are rare but can be very serious

Ladders

Falling off ladders is listed as one of the most common DIY mishaps. As many as 500,000 Americans fall off ladders every year. Their injuries range from fractures to brain damage.

Power saws

These fast-moving circular, reciprocating or table-mounted saws can effortlessly take off a finger or even a hand. You should always wear eye protection and a dust mask.

Chain saws

Surgeons see a lot of injuries from chain saws from flying debris or kickbacks. In some cases they can even lead to amputations. The Consumer Product Safety Commission states the average chain saw injury requires 110 stitches.

Alcohol

Don’t drink and drive and also don’t drink and saw. Drink a cool beer after you have climbed the ladder rather than before.

Not all accidents around the home are your fault. I have seen plenty of cases in which a defective product has injured a user. If this is the case you are likely to have grounds to bring a lawsuit against a manufacturer or a retailer. See our Virginia injury lawyers’ information about defective products or call Cooper Hurley at 757.455.0077.