It's not always easy getting started on a home improvement project. With so many things to consider and plan, it can be challenging to get your hands dirty, especially if you're dealing with a challenging task like restoration work. But before you get overwhelmed or discouraged, keep these safety tips in mind! Check out the list below for some pro tips on protecting yourself from injury while tackling the most arduous tasks around your home.

1. Always Wear Safety Glasses

Suppose you're working around old wood, plaster, and other natural home elements that may contain harmful airborne particles. In that case, it's essential to use safety glasses to protect your eyes from harm. Though the particles can't get through to your eyes, your body may instinctively close your eyes at the sight of flying debris. This could create a problematic medical situation if you're wearing contact lenses. Whether professional home improvements or DIY projects, eye protection is always necessary—especially if you're working on or around windows that might cause glass shards to fall out of them during the repair.

2. Use Protective Headgear

Protective headgear could be a wise decision when dealing with a particularly messy construction site. Headgear like hard hats and face shields protect your head from injury should something fall and strike you in the head. The headgear prevents damage to your scalp, nose, jaw, or teeth. The headgear should be lightweight and breathable so it doesn't add too much weight to the task. If a piece of debris falls out of the ceiling and hits you in the face, you will not only feel pain but also have broken skin and a concussion.

3. Footwear Safety

Wearing the correct footwear when working in a home is essential for everyone, particularly in restoration work. Wear sturdy and well-fitted shoes with rubber grip soles that protect your feet from falls. Wear steel-toe boots to prevent injuries and serious falls if you're on a roof. Touching the ground with your toes can cause severe damage to your joints—even if you're wearing steel-toe boots and safety glasses. Restoration work is often done on uneven ground, so you want to wear proper footwear. This will protect your feet and lower limbs from the risk of stepping on nails, splinters, broken glass, or other sharp objects lying around on the ground.

4. Don't Work When Tired or Hungry

We all know that restoration work tends to be grueling work. It's hard to fight fatigue when you've been working long hours, and if your body isn't getting the nutrition it needs, you could be susceptible to injuries. Before taking on a project, ensure you're well-rested and have eaten a good meal. Making intelligent decisions about timing will ensure that your mind and body are ready for the task at hand!

5. Respirator Safety

When restoring a piece of clothing, it's essential to use a dust mask to prevent inhaling harmful particles. If you don't have any filters, you should rely on your natural sense of smell and avoid breathing in the dirt when making repairs. The presence of airborne particles can trigger allergies, which can sometimes be fatal—especially when taking restoration work into the home. It's best to wear a mask while making repairs to prevent dangerous chemicals from entering your lungs.

6. Safety Gloves & Work Gloves

A pair of safety gloves or safety work gloves are a vital tool on hand and can be used for all sorts of home improvement projects. They can protect you from cuts and scrapes and provide a buffer between your skin and the substance you're working with. Gloves that are chemical resistant are essential when dealing with hazardous materials. Should you make contact with a dangerous substance, the gloves will protect your hands from contact so that you won't suffer an allergic reaction or severe chemical burn.

Before you venture into home restoration work, learn as much as possible about the products and materials you're using. Always test a product before using it on yourself or others to ensure no harmful substances are present. Safety should always be a priority, and when it comes to protecting your health and preventing injuries, it's better to be safe than sorry!