Expert sharing how to avoid injuries doing DIYs

Overall emergency room activity is down, but hospitals are noticing more injuries from people doing home improvement.

As people are in the middle of the pandemic's self-isolation process, the desire to take out the toolbox is increasing.

"Safety is not just something that happens at work. Safety is a responsibility for everybody."

In earlier stages of the pandemic in Manitoba, Chief Nursing Officer Lanette Siragusa says hospital staff were noticing an increase in injuries from people doing housework.

Sean Scott, the Executive Director of the Construction Safety Association of Manitoba, says that while it is good to see people taking an interest in home improvement, he wants people to be safe while doing so.

"There are a lot of different areas that people need to be aware of and have a plan in place...how to use (equipment) safely and properly.

In the construction industry, employers are responsible for assuring equipment is maintained and used according to safety regulations. For those using their own equipment at home, it is up to the owner.

"There is actually a law, Workplace Health and Safety, that really does specify the requirements," Scott says. He adds that "safety is not just something that happens at work. Safety is a responsibility for everybody."

Most tools have safety regulations and all come with instruction manuals, but if it becomes misplaced, Scott says it is easy to find online.