There are approximately 12,000 injuries every year to DIY homeowners while performing homeowner DIY projects. Many result in serious injuries and even death. Most all of these accidents can be prevented simply by practicing a few safety rules. Listed below are some suggestions that will help you prevent home owner injuries while performing home owner DIY tasks.

Provide a safe working environment:

It is extremely important that you do your DIY project in a safe environment. This means clearing the area of debris if you are outside and moving cords, furniture and anything else that may get in the way. A clean work environment will go a long way in accident prevention.

If you are using paint or chemicals, the area you work in should be well ventilated so that you don't inhale harmful fumes. Also use common sense when starting a project and use power tools and chemicals in open areas where they don't pose a threat to your home or other people.

Plumbing and electrical safety precautions:

If your DIY project involves the plumbing or electrical system in your home, take all necessary precautions. For most of these projects, you will need to turn the water or power off before you begin to work.

Use goggles and face masks:

Even if the project doesn't seem dangerous, always wear goggles and a face mask. Even tasks like painting and sanding can be dangerous if paint or wood chips and dust gets in your eyes or if you accidentally inhale fumes. These items seem small and unnecessary, but they can make a big difference if something goes wrong or if you encounter something unexpected while working.

Gloves and footwear:

You must protect your hands and feet while working on projects around the home. While doing a project, your hands can be in dangerous situations if you are using power tools or lifting heavy materials. Significant injury usually occurs if a heavy object were to fall on your feet. You can prevent these kinds of accidents by wearing the proper gloves and footwear. Cut resistant gloves and steel-toed boots can provide optimal protection.

Headwear protection:

Head injuries can be extremely serious, so wear proper headwear that can protect you from falling objects, flying debris and other dangers. Headwear is especially important if you are lifting heavy objects above your head, are working at a height, or are using power saws to cut through wood, plastic or metal. Hard hats provide the best protection.

Clothing protection:

When people do DIY projects, they tend to wear worn out clothes or t-shirts and shorts. These kinds of clothes don't provide much, if any, protection from things like tools, chemicals and debris. The proper clothing should covers your arms and legs and made of a tough material.

Ladder safety:

If your project requires you to work from a ladder or other height, take proper precautions and stay aware and alert while you are working. Steady the ladder on a stable surface and don't work near power lines or other overhead objects.

Be sure to read and follow the instructions that came with the ladder and never stand on the top step or rung unless the manufacturer specifically states that it is safe to do so. When you climb the ladder, make sure you always have three points of contact with it. That is, both of your feet and one of your hands or both of your hands and one foot should always be on the ladder.

Manufacturers' instructions:

Even if you think you know how to use a tool or chemical or how to assemble something, always read the manufacturer's instructions. The instructions are specifically written with safety precautions to keep you safe and may include special warnings that you need to know.

Keep a first aid kit nearby:

Before you start a project, know where your first aid kit is so you will have easy and immediate access to things like bandages, antiseptic wipes and cold compresses if you need them.

Despite the fact that you are working at home, and even if your project seems small and safe, accidents do happen. Follow these safety precautions every time you start a DIY project to avoid possible dangers and accidents.

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