July 25, 2024
IN OUR WORLD OF TRADES AND CONSTRUCTION, safety is paramount. In our training programs and on the jobsite, our members go through rigorous protocols and protective measures to ensure that everyone, from apprentices to seasoned journeypersons, returns home safely. However, the emphasis on safety shouldn’t stop at the end of the workday. By extending that safety-driven culture of the jobsite into our homes, we can protect our families and ourselves from everyday risks.
Last summer I recall seeing my neighbour doing work in his driveway. He was running a table saw wearing shorts, a t-shirt and flip-flops. No safety glasses and no hearing protection. I approached him asking what he was working on and then asked where his personal protective equipment (PPE) was. His response: “Nah, I don’t need it. Just a couple quick cuts.”
We have all seen or been in this situation ourselves. We know what we should be doing, but for some reason doing jobs around the house is perceived as different from working on the job when it comes to safety and PPE. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, the emphasis on safety should be even greater when working at home, especially considering that those around us may lack experience and awareness of the potential hazards. As certified tradespeople, it’s important to lead by example and promote safe work practices within our home and among friends and family. We are all familiar with shortcuts and quicker methods for most projects around the house, but these shortcuts can carry significant risks not only for ourselves, but for others who might view them as acceptable practices.
With the growing popularity of the DIY trend, it’s not surprising to see an increase in injuries resulting from home improvement projects. In 2020 (during the COVID-19 pandemic), Clearsurance, a homeowner insurance provider in the U.S., found that more than 290,000 homeowners went to the emergency department due to home improvement accidents, with nearly 25,000 admitted to the hospital. According to a report from the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program, the leading causes of home improvement and maintenance injuries requiring hospitalizations are:
- Using power and non-powered tools
- Falling from ladders
- Small particle debris (e.g., sawdust in the eyes)
- Hits against, or cuts by, materials
- Slips and trips
Many consider themselves experts after watching a brief Youtube video, but not enough attention and information is given to prevent these avoidable accidents. Most injuries can be prevented by maintaining safety protocols, by properly preparing the work area and by using the correct PPE.
By using the same safety guidelines we follow at work, we can make our homes safer and healthier for our family and friends. Safety isn’t just for the job, it’s a way of life. Let’s keep up the habits that keep our loved ones safe and remember that if you are not comfortable with a project, make sure to contact a skilled tradesperson to do the work. Stay safe and stay healthy.
Al Phillips,
President