How to Build - Andy the handyman-DIY disasters. Health and Safety

Warning do not follow Andy the handyman's tips on How to Build DIY. It could seriously damage your health.

Construction sites are notoriously dangerous with a high risk of injury. It has been estimated that more than 155,000 workers at construction sites in the UK are injured every year.

When it comes to using work equipment and machinery the chances of personal injury increase, unless basic safety steps are put in place.

Work equipment can be classed as any type of equipment used including: machines such as circular saws; drilling machines;tractors and hand tools such as screwdrivers, knives and handsaws.

By taking basic safety measures you can avoid accidents. When it comes to identifying the risks of using work equipment,tools and machinery, you should take into account the following:

1: What work is being done with the equipment.

2: Who will be using the equipment; are you a inexperienced worker, or a worker with language problems.

3: What guards of safety devices are present.

4: Are they well designed and easy to use.

5: Ensure you do not bypass these safeguards either for convenience sake. Using equipment for long periods of time, tiredness sets in and doubles your risk of an accident.

6: What power source is required? eg electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic. Each type has different risks and different ways of controlling them.

Before you attempt your next DIY project step back and do a simple risk assessment.
It could save your life.