Builders Tori Knox and father Russell Knox have urged people to seek professional advice before taking on difficult DIY jobs. Photo / Paul Taylor
Builders Tori Knox and father Russell Knox have urged people to seek professional advice before taking on difficult DIY jobs. Photo / Paul Taylor
The number of people breaking bones while attempting DIY projects in Hawke's Bay has spiked as more people try their hand at projects around the house.
It comes as trades professionals have noticed a trend with more people attempting DIY projects across the region.
An experienced builder has urged peopleto seek advice from a professional first before attempting jobs which may be unsafe or harder than they appear.
New data from ACC shows there has been an increase in people suffering fractures and dislocations related to DIY projects in Hawke's Bay.
"People aren't travelling so much these days and want to do more around the house," he said.
He said there were also longer wait times to get professional trades people for jobs, due to high demand and ongoing supply shortages.
He said that meant more people were giving projects a go themselves.
"They just think 'I will just do it myself'."
People are doing more DIY projects around the home. Photo / NZME
He said if someone had enough skill and knowledge not to injure themselves then many jobs were achievable but advised against taking on jobs that were beyond them.
R K Builders owner Russell Knox said he recommended people ask a professional before taking on difficult jobs around the house to help avoid injuries.
"People don't realise that sometimes the work is straightforward but sometimes you do have to do a lot more work [than you might think]."
He said he did not mind giving advice and tips and, in many cases, it saved him and his workers time if the client could do some of the work themselves.
"We give them some guidance on what not to do and what to do ... they can save us some time as well. It is a win, win."
Knox said he had definitely seen an increase in people attempting DIY projects.
He said it was becoming more common to see people buying up supplies at the Mitre 10 drive-through section for example.
"It's quite magical how they get their supplies home in a little sedan too," he said with a laugh.
ACC preventable programme lead James Whitaker said coming into summer many people may use the opportunity to do some jobs around the house and garden.
"Many injuries that occur around the home can be easily prevented. Take the time to slow down and 'have a hmmm' before starting your next DIY project."
The overall number of injuries from DIY projects in Hawke's Bay in 2021 is currently sitting at 851 - ranging from soft tissue injuries to fractures to a foreign body in the eye.
The region is on track to reach a high set last year of 1017 overall injuries.
ACC confirmed its data relating to DIY injuries relied on information provided by claimants and was not considered definitive.
Safety tips for DIY projects
Use all the safety gear you normally would such as closed shoes and protective eyewear.
Keep in mind that children might be around more than normal. Make sure someone is still supervising the kids and keep tools and sharp objects out of reach.
If you're getting up on a ladder make sure it's angled correctly and on a firm surface.
Keep three points of contact on ladders (e.g. two feet and a hand).
Make sure you're keeping paints, sprays, chemicals and solvents with the lids on when you're not using them, and they're not within reach of children.
