Whilst I’ve never been massively into DIY, since I went pro in the 90’s I’ve always been overly careful about damaging myself, on the basis that if I couldn’t play then me and my family couldn’t eat! Although my mates and brother often take the mick about me having ‘artist’s hands’, I’ve always got help with stuff that may be dangerous or run the risk me not working. My brother has just done his back in lifting paving slabs - he’s retired but had he been still working then he would have needed weeks off. It’s amazing when you are self employed how much it focuses you on being able to carry on working whatever happens, and the older I’ve got the more important it is.
Sorry to veer OT musicbassman, really hope your friend manages to regain full use of his arm and hand, all the best.