Autumn is Danger Time: High Season for DIY Accidents is Approaching

DIY is a part of everyday life for Austrians, but activities like hammering or drilling lead to serious accidents. The prevention institution KFV warned of a significant increase in the number of injuries. In 2023, there were 9,500 such cases, while in 2024, 10,600 cases were registered. DIY remains a risky activity, said Johanna Trauner-Karner, head of the sports and leisure safety department at KFV.

Unstable Ladders as the Greatest Source of Danger

One in five accidents is attributed to a so-called "ladder accident," according to a statement released on Wednesday. With 2,100 accidents, this type of accident is the most common and even reached a new record in 2024. "Even a one-centimeter tilt can be enough to cause it (the ladder, note) to tip over," warned Trauner-Karner. Other common causes of accidents include cutting tools (1,000 injuries), wood splinters or boards (700), drills (500), and furniture such as cabinets and dressers (500). In around 1,200 accidents, no specific objects were involved - falls were likely the main cause, according to KFV.

Autumn is Peak Season for DIY Accidents

In the period from September to November, KFV recorded a total of 3,500 DIY accidents - this corresponds to about one-third of all DIY accidents in 2024. With 1,400 injuries, October is the month with the most accidents, followed by September and November with 1,200 and 900 injuries, respectively. The combination of shorter days and poorer lighting conditions increases the risk of accidents," said Trauner-Karner.

The most common injuries in DIY activities are bone fractures (4,500), open wounds (3,500), and tendon and muscle injuries (900). Fingers (3,400) and hands (1,400) are particularly often affected. A typical DIY accident in Austria, according to data from the KFV accident database, involves a male person between 50 and 64 years old. This age group accounts for one-third of all DIY accidents. Overall, the proportion of men is 82 percent.

KFV Appeals: Concentration and the Right Equipment Can Prevent Many Accidents

The causes of accidents are often avoidable: Over 60 percent of those affected cite carelessness or distraction as the reason. A vivid example: A DIY enthusiast wanted to carry out a repair on his window and climbed onto a swivel chair with wheels. The action ended with cuts and a tendon rupture.

Therefore, KFV appeals to all hobby DIY enthusiasts: Safety measures such as protective gloves, safety glasses, and safe handling of ladders can prevent many accidents. Equally important are concentration, realistic self-assessment, and good planning - as many accidents happen due to sheer carelessness.

(APA/Red)

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