MOST people regard their home as a place of safety, but statistics show that it is also where the vast majority of accidents happen and according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), more than 6,000 UK deaths are caused by accidents in the home every year.

Many domestic mishaps take place during DIY or while in the garden, and with the holidays providing the perfect opportunity to tackle household repairs and enjoy the outdoors, the summer is also a good time for householders to be safety-aware.

To help you and your family stay out of harm’s way this summer, leading housebuilder Taylor Wimpey has prepared some essential tips for safety at home.

Charlie Joseph, regional sales and marketing director for Taylor Wimpey, said: “The summer break and the August Bank Holiday are a great time to catch up on those domestic repairs and household tasks we’ve been putting off for so long.

“Summer is also the most popular time to move house, which tends to keep us busy while we’re settling in.

“When tackling jobs around the house it’s important to put safety first at all times and we’ve come up with some useful advice to help you steer clear of garden mishaps and DIY disasters.”

Do not overreach

When attempting DIY it is vital to be realistic about what you can achieve and also that you have the right tools for the job.

Before tackling any task, ask yourself if you really know what you are doing and if you are confident you will complete a task to a good standard.

If the answer is no then get a professional in, particularly if it involves gas and electrical work, which should always be carried out by a qualified specialist.

Be prepared

Accidents are more likely to happen if you are in a rush so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to complete any DIY job, plan what you are going to do before getting started and always read instructions carefully.

Look the part Appropriate clothing and protective equipment are always worth investing in, so get yourself a pair of safety goggles, work gloves and some sturdy footwear as a minimum and ideally overalls and ear defenders as well.

Treasure your tools

A decent set of tools will last you a lifetime, so make sure you keep yours clean and in good repair, and store them in a secure place away from the reach of children.

Give each tool a quick check over before you use it and take extra care when using sharp cutting implements and power tools.

Also, if you have not quite got the right tool for a job, do not attempt to bodge it with something else.

Either go out and get what you need or call a professional in.

Respect your mower

It is probably the most dangerous tool you have in your house so treat your lawnmower with the respect it deserves.

Always wear sturdy footwear while mowing your lawn and never attempt to clean or unclog the blades without disconnecting the power supply first.

Be a better barbecuer

On those rare occasions when the sun is shining, there is no better way to enjoy the summer at home than with a barbecue in the back garden.

Just make sure yours is kept well away from buildings, trees or fences and do not ever be tempted to pour petrol on the coals to get your barbecue going.

Taylor Wimpey Bristol is building new homes across the South West at the following developments in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire: Abode – Cheltenham 01242 501094, Kings Copse – Gloucester 01452 228297, Saxon Quarter – Cheltenham 01242 507051, The Halt – Cam coming soon and West Point at Ridgeway Farm, Swindon 01793 689066.