A painter and decorator has filmed himself painting a home he almost missed, saying it was “almost my last day on earth”.
In a video posted by @alecpaintsofficial, which has over 1.2 million views at the time of writing. In the video, the titular Alec can be seen painting the ceiling in a dilapidated house with a long roller brush, next to a flight of stairs without a handrail.
On one occasion, he came down the landing and nearly fell down the stairs, but managed to steady himself at the last moment.
“Thank goodness I’m thinking fast,” the caption read.
Many in the comments praised his quick reflexes, with one user saying: “Quick thinking saves the day.” Others, however, felt the video was clearly staged, arguing it was too coincidental that he was filming at the time and that his paint pan was Nowhere to be seen, which is also strange.

Daisy-Daisy/Getty Images
“Looks like it wasn’t staged,” one user said, while another wrote: “He happened to be recording.”
Whether or not Alec made the video, home improvement is a common reason for US ER visits
In 2020, 290,000 home improvement injuries required emergency room visits, 24,000 of which required hospitalization, according to a study by Clearsurance, a customer review-based insurance comparison company owned by 360 Quote. Their researchers analyzed data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System.
Whether you’re a seasoned do-it-yourself master or just starting out, accidents can happen while performing the most basic of tasks.
According to an article by Sharp HealthCare, a San Diego nonprofit regional health care organization, it’s important to choose the right tool for the job before you start.
“Invest in the highest quality tools you can afford. Then read instruction manuals, especially power tools and drills, before attempting to operate them. Regularly inspect your tools for any defects or damage and only use the tools for their intended use use,” they said.
According to Dr. Erik Strukel, medical director of the Nursing Clinic at Sharp Grossmont Hospital, most of the DIY accidents he sees are eye injuries, chainsaw injuries and falls from heights such as ladders, trees and rooftops. “No DIY project deserves to be harmed,” he said in an article on Sharp’s website. “Proper preparation and protective gear can reduce the risk of injury and make work easier and more enjoyable.”
Weekly newspaper Emailed @alecpaintsofficial for comment.
Newsweek’s “what should I do?” Provide readers with expert advice. If you have a personal dilemma, please let us know at life@newsweek.com. We can turn to experts for advice on relationships, family, friends, money and work, and your story may be featured on WSID: Weekly newspaper.