Many people enjoy the challenge of DIY work to repair or create something themselves, especially when they’re on a budget, but sometimes things can go horribly wrong.

All consumers should take care when doing DIY work around the home or under their vehicle.

Some jobs are best left to the experts, rather than calling in a qualified tradesperson after the event to fix up the mess. And for safety’s sake, always use a licensed electrician for any electrical work.

Seemingly simple tasks such as pruning, cleaning out gutters and painting a ceiling lead to thousands of hospital visits each year. Almost 1300 men are hospitalised each year across Australia due to ladder injuries alone.

And when it comes to more new or complex tasks, ask your local hardware store for advice or look online for videos and tips from reliable sources about how to get the job done well and safely.

All those who work on cars are reminded never get under a vehicle that is only supported by a jack. People have been crushed to death or severely injured when they have not used jacks, support stands or ramps properly. There are around 160 reports each year of amputation, fractures and crush injuries associated with vehicle jacks.

The majority of DIY injury reports concern men, although women can also be injured when they don’t take appropriate safety precautions. More often than not, when it comes to DIY, safety issues arise with the user rather than the product.

For more helpful advice on:

• Using a ladder safely; 

• Hiring a licensed and reputable tradesperson; and

• Working under a vehicle.

For more information see the see the safety videos on the Product Safety Australia website.