When you’re renovating or redecorating your home, you’re likely to be focused on the space you’re creating or the new décor you’re designing. However, making changes to a property can turn your home into a construction zone, which is why safety should always be a top priority.
To get a better idea of the accidents that can occur, take a look at this blog post on why construction work can be so dangerous and follow these top tips when you’re conducting work at home:
1. Remove Potential Hazards
When you’re working on a particular area or a specific room, be sure to room all potential hazards before you get started. If you’re trying to redecorate around furniture or stepping over things to access materials, it increases the likelihood of an accident occurring. However, these types of incidents can often be prevented by clearing the area first and creating a sparse workspace.
2. Use the Right Equipment
You may not have thousands of dollars to spend on professional-grade equipment, but you can hire the equipment you need when you’re carrying out home improvements. Falls are a leading cause of accidents in the construction industry and trying to access ceilings, guttering, or roof tiles can lead to accidents at home too. By hiring the appropriate platforms, however, you can minimize the risk and increase your safety.
3. Hire Reputable Contractors
If you’re going to hire people to complete work for you, be sure to check their reputation first. As well as confirming that they have appropriate insurance in place, talk to potential contractors about their safety record before you decide to hire them. While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest quote, you can’t put a price on safety.
4. Turns Mains Power Off
On construction sites, various methods are used to maximize electrical safety, such as de-energizing installations. While you’ll need to hire a certified electrician to carry out most electrical work on your home, any form of home improvement could technically affect the mains power to your property. Even drilling a hole in the wall to hang a picture could put you at risk if you inadvertently drill through an electricity cable. To prevent this from happening, use a cable locator and turn the mains power off before you start work.
5. Find Alternative Accommodation
If you’re having a significant amount of work done on your home, finding alternative accommodation could be the safest choice. Moving out while your home is renovated will certainly mean that you’re more comfortable, but it can also help you to stay safe and avoid the hazards that are inevitably associated with construction work.
Keeping Safe Around Construction
Construction is a dangerous job and, when your property is involved, it can make your home a dangerous place too. Whether you’re carrying out work yourself or hiring professionals, it’s vital to take appropriate steps to maximize safety. By doing so, you can prevent serious accidents from occurring and enjoy the process of refurbishing your home.
