DIY warning as power tool injuries jump

INJURIES from power tools put 4,764 people in hospital over the last year.

The toll was up 7 per cent on the 4,446 of three years earlier – and has led to DIY-lovers being urged to take care this holiday weekend.

NHS data for 2017/18 also revealed that a further 6,372 admissions were for people ending up in hospital after tumbling from a ladder, while 519 involved an accident with a lawnmower.

The incidents involved homeowners and those working in the building trade or gardeners. NHS spokesman Dr Cliff Mann urged people tempted by DIY to be careful. He said: ‘While there are plenty of ways to come a cropper with your DIY, fortunately there are also plenty of places to get help from the NHS this bank holiday.’

He added that advice was available online and from the NHS 111 service.