Home Accidents - DIYers Beware As more do-it-yourselfers use power tools for their home improvement projects, certain home accidents may increase. Nail-gun injuries have risen 300 percent since 1991, and the Home Safety Council tallied 330,000 trips to the emergency room in one year due to casualties sustained by tools. Even commonplace devices can be dangerous: each year, 136,000 people suffer sprains and broken bones from ladder falls, and yearly lawnmower accident rates are at 80,000. Not to mention the numerous electrocutions, burns, drownings, and chemical injuries incurred in the home. Many of these accidents can be prevented by learning proper operational techniques and by using safety gear. So next time you embark on a do-it-yourself project, be careful!