Product involvement in do-it-yourself maintenance injury

Abstract

Injuries associated with similar products and activities occur both in the workplace and in the home. The present study aimed to identify priority issues that offer good potential for improving the safety of 'do-it-yourself (DIY) handy-person activities. Data analyses were undertaken of emergency department, hospital admission and Coronial data on DIY injury. International and urban/ rural comparisons, a literature search and industry consultations were undertaken Within the Victorian Injury Surveillance System (VISS)emergency department database, DIY injuries included: general maintenance (63%), gardening (20%), vehicle maintenance (13%) and electrical (0·03%). Three-quarters occurred in a residential setting, particularly own garden (57%). Hand lacerations and foreign bodies in eyes were the most frequent injuries. Males comprised 85% of DIY injuries. Women were commonly injured while gardening. Injuries peaked at 30-34 years for both sexes. DIY cases were more highly represented at a rural hospital than at urban hospitals. In rank order, products leading to emergency department presentations were: grinders, lawnmowers, ladders, vehicle parts, welding equipment, power saws, circular saws and knives. Similar products were identified for hospital admissions. Ladders, tractors and electrical equipment were prominent in deaths. Norwegian and VISS data exhibit an increase in recent years in hobby and garden tool injuries. Although ranking differs the top ten factors were similar DIY activities result in substantial injury frequency. Intervention strategies focus on workplace initiatives, education, regulation, policy development, transfer of safe workplace practices to the home, design improvements and overcoming economic barriers. Further research would facilitate the targeting of interventions. Countermeasures should be formally evaluated and the ‘culture of safety’ needs to be enhanced.