Advertisement
More than two-thirds (71%) of adults in Ireland have suffered a DIY-related accident, new research reveals.
The research, commissioned by Specsavers Donegal, which has teamed up with Stryder Eyewear to create a new range of safety eyewear, revealed that a staggering 96% of people in Ireland have taken on home improvements themselves at one time or another, with 16% needing to seek medical attention during the process.
Over half (52%) of Irish DIYers suffer with splinters, whilst accidentally hammering fingers (36%), tripping over something (32%) and dropping something on their feet (29%) rank highly among the most common mishaps.
Other accidents including cutting yourself on sharp tools (26%), supergluing fingers together (24%) and getting an electric shock (12%) also make the list.
The poll of 1,000 adults also revealed that of those who have ever sustained an eye injury (18%), more than four in ten (46%) admitted that this happened whilst taking on a DIY project, whilst 54% of DIYers confess they have never worn protective eyewear whilst taking on a project.
Kerril Hickey, Chairman of Specsavers Ireland, said: “There is a genuine passion for DIY and home improvement in Ireland, 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, over one third (34%) aren’t confident in their own skills and nine in ten (93%) have previously hired a professional instead of attempting the job themselves.
The study also revealed that half of those in Ireland (51%) cite saving cash one of their biggest motivations for doing-it-themselves, with other top incentives including the sense of accomplishment (30%), increasing home value (18%) and for some, relieving stress (17%).
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 (70%), hanging curtains (60%), assembling furniture (56%) and landscaping (36%).
With spring in full swing, 73% of respondents said the arrival of warmer weather has inspired them to start a new project at home this year.
Mr Hickey added: “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.”
Specsavers Donegal has partnered with Stryder Eyewear, a manufacturer with over 50 years of experience, to introduce a new and expanded range of safety eyewear. The range features a diverse selection of styles, including coloured and titanium frames, drawing inspiration from Specsavers Donegal’s best-selling optical designs. Available from €130 to €190, the new safety eyewear is also included in Specsavers Donegal’s popular 2-for-1 offer, providing customers with the flexibility to choose multiple styles or dedicate specific frames to different tasks.
For more information about Specsavers Donegal’s new Prescription Safety Glasses, visit https://www.specsavers.ie/glasses/safety-eyewear.
To learn more and book an appointment at Specsavers Donegal, visit https://www.specsavers.ie/stores/donegaltown or call (074) 974 2686.
Tags: