Half (50%) of DIYers suffer with splinters, whilst accidentally hammering fingers (44%), banging heads on beams (21%) and supergluing fingers together (13%) rank highly among the most common mishaps.
Other accidents including slipping on wet floor (17%), electric shocks (13%) and stepping on nails (8%) also make the list.
The poll of 2,000 adults also revealed that of those who have ever sustained an eye injury (15%), almost half (45%) admitted that this happened whilst taking on a DIY project. Whilst 62% of DIYers confess they have never worn protective eyewear whilst taking on a project.
Hashil Murshid, lead optometrist at Specsavers Arnold, says: ‘There is a genuine passion for DIY and home improvement in the UK, and people gain tremendous satisfaction from enhancing their living spaces. Whilst minor mishaps are part of any DIY journey, the most successful projects consider proper preparation – including appropriate safety measures.’
‘Taking simple precautions like wearing protective eyewear and hearing protection allows DIYers to take on their projects with total confidence.’
Of those who take on their own projects, almost half (47%) aren’t confident in their own skills and nearly nine in ten (87%) have previously hired a professional instead of attempting the job themselves.
The study also revealed that more than half of Brits in the East Midlands (55%) cite saving cash as their biggest motivation for doing-it-themselves, with other top incentives including the sense of accomplishment (26%), increasing home value (16%) and for some, relieving stress (5%).
The new research highlighted that DIYers are spending an average of seven hours a month on their own projects, with the top assignments including painting walls (72%), hanging curtains (65%), replacing door handles (41%) and fixing leaks (25%).
With spring in full swing, 47% of respondents said the arrival of warmer weather has inspired them to start a new project at home this year.
Hashil adds: ‘Completing projects gives us such a fantastic sense of accomplishment, we just need to remember to take the necessary precautions and look after ourselves at the same time – a weekend project is never worth a trip to A&E.
‘We strongly encourage DIY enthusiasts to put their safety first and take steps to prevent avoidable injury.’
For more information about Specsavers’ new Prescription Safety Glasses, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/glasses/safety-eyewear.