Now that the warmer weather has arrived, all of you fix-it-uppers are eager to tackle those home projects that were put on hold during the cold, winter months. Unfortunately, safety is often put on the back burner when it comes to tooling around the house.

If you hurt yourself, you’re not alone. The National Safety Council estimates that thousands of people are injured each year performing home improvement projects. In fact, more people are injured at home than on the job. 

WATCH YOURSELF!

Since you don’t have your supervisor or co-workers watching at home, watch out for your own well-being. Set a good example for the rest of your family, particularly your children. Take a moment to plan out the steps involved in the project and make sure you will be following safe procedures. Think about the safety rules at work and apply them at home.

RIGHT TOOLS, SAFE JOB

As you plan the job, make sure you have the correct tools to accomplish the project safely. If you don’t have the right size saw, for instance, borrow the correct one from someone or buy one. Don’t substitute what you already have for the proper tool. Always unplug power tools when you aren’t using them Store all tools in cabinets or wall racks where they are accessible but safely out of children’s reach.

DON’T FALL DOWN ON THE JOB

Never use makeshift climbing devices, such as boxes or tables, instead of ladders. Obtain a ladder of proper length to reach high areas. Follow all safety precautions, such as placing the ladder on solid footing and only climbing as high as the third step from the top.

Poor housekeeping can also contribute to falls. Keep clutter to a minimum by moving unused buckets, wet rags, paint brushes and other items safely from the work area. Wipe up spills immediately.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

Use safety glasses and safety shoes while working on home improvement projects. You may also need to use work gloves as well. Many companies allow employees to take their protective equipment home with them for off-the-job use. Some companies will even provide discounts for employees to purchase additional equipment for home use. As at work, avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry.

GET HELP

If the job seems particularly demanding or hazardous, you may want to consider getting professional help. Do not continue a job that is beyond your abilities or your safe working limits. Not only will you save yourself some headaches, you may keep yourself from getting injured.

TREES

A fresh tree will stay green longer and be less of a fire hazard than a dry tree. To check for freshness, remember:

• A fresh tree is green.
• Fresh needles are hard to pull from branches.
• When bent between your fingers, fresh needles do not break.
• The trunk butt of a fresh tree is sticky with resin.
• When the trunk of a tree is bounced on the ground, a shower of falling needles shows that tree is too dry.

TRIMMINGS

• Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials.
• Wear gloves while decorating with spun glass “angel hair” to avoid irritation to eyes and skin.
• Choose tinsel or artificial icicles or plastic or non-leaded metals. Leaded materials are hazardous if ingested by children.

In homes with small children, take special care to:

• Avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable.
• Keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children. Pieces could be swallowed or inhaled.
• Avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food. A child could eat them!

 LIGHTS

• Use only lights that have been tested for safety. Identify these by the label from an independent testing laboratory.
• Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections.   Discard damaged sets or repair them before using.
• Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house, walls or other firm support to protect from wind damage.
• Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord.
• Turn off all lights on trees and other decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. Lights could short and start a fire.