Publié le 27/05/2026
DIY and gardening: how to stay safe
With the return of warmer weather or the desire to revamp your home, DIY and gardening often become the go-to weekend pastimes. Nathalie, a healthcare support officer at the IMA Group, discusses everyday risks and shares some tips on how to garden with peace of mind.
A figure to make you think: 300,000 accidents a year*
Every year in France, there are more than 300,000 accidents linked to DIY or gardening. This high number is clearly reflected in the call centres of the IMA Group, where teams receive daily calls from policyholders who have been injured whilst carrying out activities that might otherwise seem harmless.
Most of these A&E visits have one thing in common: they could have been avoided with a few simple precautions.
* Santé publique France, August 2024: ‘Ongoing Survey of Accidents in Daily Life (EPAC)’
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Good habits to adopt before you get started
Safety starts before you switch on a machine. Even for a quick job, it is essential to wear gloves, safety goggles and closed-toe shoes. Remember to remove any jewellery to prevent accidents.
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Keeping those around you safe
DIY also means keeping your loved ones safe: keep children at a safe distance and, ideally, don’t work alone at home so that someone can help you if there’s a problem. Once you’ve finished, unplug and put your tools away.
For more tips, watch the video below!
At IMA, our mission goes beyond simply managing emergencies. Every day, our support officers work alongside you to offer advice and teach you the right reflexes. Their aim is to help you anticipate risks so you can protect yourself before an accident even occurs.