Over two-thirds of Brits have suffered a DIY-related accident from hammering fingers to banging heads on beams

MORE than two-thirds of adults have suffered a DIY-related accident – with hammering fingers, banging heads on beams, and supergluing fingers together among the most common mishaps.

A poll of 2,000 adults found 90 per cent have taken on home improvement at one time or another, with 12 per cent needing to seek medical attention during the process.

SWNSBanging heads and smashed fingers are two of the most common[/caption]

Other accidents endured include slipping on wet floor (14 per cent), electric shocks (15 per cent), and stepping on nails (14 per cent).

It also emerged, of those who’ve ever sustained an eye injury (12 per cent), 43 per cent admitted this happened while undertaking some DIY.

The research was commissioned by Specsavers, which has teamed up with Stryder Eyewear to create a new range of safety eyewear.

The brand’s optometrist Dr Nigel Best said: “There is a genuine passion for DIY and home improvement in the UK, 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, 46 per cent aren’t confident in their own skills, and 89 per cent have previously hired a professional instead of attempting the job themselves.

But 51 per cent of those polled, via OnePoll, cite saving cash as their biggest motivation for doing it themselves.

Other incentives included the sense of accomplishment (25 per cent), increasing home value (17 per cent), and for some, relieving stress (17 per cent).

The research also highlighted that DIYers are spending an average of seven hours a month on their own projects, with the top assignments including painting walls (67 per cent), hanging curtains (59 per cent), replacing door handles (37 per cent), and fixing leaks (25 per cent).

With spring in full swing, 51 per cent said the arrival of warmer weather has inspired them to start a new project at home this year.

Nigel Best, from Specsavers, 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.”

SWNSSpecsavers has teamed up with Stryder Eyewear[/caption]