I work construction. I’ve worked in refineries and chemical plants the last five years, and commercial and residential work prior to that. I do lots of things outside work that could expose me to injury or death.

Since I’ve had my kids, I’ve changed a lot of my ways. I always think a little more before doing risky things, and try my best to eliminate all hazards. My kids and wife are my world, and there is no reason to jeopardize their future by making a careless decision.

I’ve learned through the years that a refinery is one of the safest places to work. People are sincere, and truly care for the safety and well-being of everyone. We have so many policies and procedures in place to eliminate hazards, that it’s frustrating and over whelming at times. It’s not just my company either – I’ve worked in dozens of facilities and they all have the same mentality. It’s part of today’s world. Safety is important.

We had an accident on my job site yesterday. The man wasn’t on my project, nor does he work for my company. I’ve never met him, and I don’t know who he was. He just happened to be in the same facility. We’re often told that we come to work healthy everyday, and our goal is to go home the same way we came. This man won’t be going home today. This man won’t get to see his family again. His family will experience tragedy and loss – and it’s not going to be easy. Even though I didn’t know him, it’s still heartbreaking.

It was just another day, and he was working as usual. Maintenance was being performed inside a metal building, and on its roof. I’m not aware of all of the details, but what I do know is that he was walking across the roof this building. He stepped onto a skylight, and fell through. He fell 30 feet to the concrete below. He was wearing a safety harness. There was a life line (cable) installed and stretched across the roof. All we can do is assume that he wasn’t tied off.

One decision ended it. The decision to not tie off. To not tie off, and save a few minutes and steps. Things might have happened differently, this is just what I know.

Guys – it just takes once. One second, one bad decision, one risk. We do it all the time. I’m still guilty on things from time to do. That kill switch lanyard – how many times do you not wear it? Those life jackets 10 feet from you – how many times do you not put it on? Those navigation lights – how many times do you not flip the switch or plug them in? That last beer or drink – right before you get behind the wheel?

These things don’t just effect you. Hell, if it did – go for it. No one else gets hurt but you. Fact is – it effects everyone who cares about you. Everyone who has befriended you. Everyone. Take that extra minute. Deal with the uncomfortable. Make a phone call. Ask for help. Make a good decision.

Take this message to heart. Think about it. Do it for your loved ones.

Just went over this in a safety meeting this morning. And had to tell the mexicans not to drive a telehandler with the load 40 foot in the air. For the 1000th time

It's simple. get a mud motor. shoot ducks in the face.

Sad deal.

Berard, a company I do marketing work for I think is working in that plant transporting some equipment, one of the guys told me last night that someone had fell.

Personally, I once fell into an industrial shredder at a board plant I was working at and was 30 seconds away from not being here now. My helper who I had trained saved my life. My body parts would have probably fit into a couple of 5 gallon buckets. I didn't lock it out and was trying to clear a jam and keep the plant running. My mistake almost cost me my life.

No company is worth risking your life for. Got to look out for you and the people around you so you can go home each day.

I lost a good friend a few weeks back to a drunk driver who ran him over on foot. He left behind a wife and 5 year old. There was nothing that he could have done. A life gone in an instant. Hug them babies and kiss that old lady every day.

Glad you posted this. I think it's natural to be more careful after you have kids. I know I sure as hell don't take the unnecessary risks that I used to. I work on oilfield locations and 99% of the time I'm the only person for miles. A simple slip and a broken leg or ankle can turn into a life/death situation for me pretty easily. Not to mention heat/dehydration injuries in the summer time. Bottom line like has been said is no job, company, project or bonus is worth putting yourself in harms way for. Hearing the same old repeditive safety topics preached gets old, but they are hammered on you for a good reason. Take care of yourself and those around you.

Sad news. With 30 years offshore and petrochemical experience beneath my belt, I've seen a lot of changes in the name of safety.

No matter how insignificant or stupid you think a new rule may be...it's there for a reason. And, the older I get, the more I adhere to safety. I wish I would have paid more attention to hearing protection when I was in my 20's and 30's...might not have the ringing in my ears that I have, now!


BTW, I have a BNIB w/tags pair of steel toes in the classifieds...and a safety harness with shock absorbing lanyards for sale. [WINKING FACE]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thats bad.Worked in the plants for many years. Seen many accidents. All of them could've been prevented. Prayers for the family.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

Ever since my daughter was born I am a lot more cautious at work. I definitely don't have the I'm invincible and it wont happen to me attitude anymore. Great post reharbert