DIY Safety Tips for Women

By Alec Neufeld −

Many projects around the house can be completed by either men or women and in these times, more and more women are being their own DIY ‘handymen.’ If you are a woman contemplating any kind of home repair, home decorating or home renovation project, you should be aware of the very same safety tips that would be offered to your male counterparts.

Work at Your Level of Competence

Saving money is all well and good, but there are times when a task might be beyond your level of competence or aptitude. For example, both men and women can learn to weld. It is not rocket science, even though there is a science behind it! However, some welding jobs may require strength beyond what you are capable of. Know your limitations and always check out safety features when working with any piece of equipment whatsoever. You can get state-of-the-art welding equipment from sites like WeldingOutfitter.com, but make sure you know how to use it and any safety precautions to take.

When Cost Is an Issue

Some women contemplate DIY projects as a sort of hobby, something to do with their spare time that will benefit their home as well. Other times cost is a real issue and is the main reason anyone would even consider doing a major repair or decorative project. Safety should always come first so if the ‘job’ requires strength or aptitude beyond what you’ve been gifted with, always opt for safety. It might cost you far more in the long run if you are injured as a result of trying to do a job bigger than you could safely handle. Imagine breaking a bone, requiring home-health services to help you go about your daily life! That cost would most often be far greater than the cost of hiring a handyman to do the job with the equipment you’ve purchased.

The Man in Your Life Is Gone

Not only are women living longer, but they are living longer than men according to the most recent census. Their husbands may have always had the task of taking out the garbage, changing the oil in the cars and other tasks traditionally delegated to men. Here is where you step up to the plate and remember that old movie that inspired more than one generation of women. Do you remember that iconic scene from Annie Get Your Guns where Annie proudly states, “Anything you can do I can do better” – the scene between Betty Hutton and Howard Keel? Women really are quite capable, but like men, do have their weaknesses so keep that in mind.

Rather than itemize safety tips to be aware of as a woman, it’s far better to be honest with yourself about your own capabilities and strengths. Make an honest assessment of what you can and can’t do, then check out the safety tips pertinent to the job and equipment at hand. Otherwise, just know that you can do what you set your mind to with a little willpower, a lot of hard work and an honest acceptance of what you are and are not capable of handling. From there on out, it’s a piece of cake!

Alec Neufeld is a retired builder, now freelance writer and general fix it man.  He has strong opinions on the use of alternate energy and is also an avid sports enthusiast.