Safety really is an important issue. Unfortunately, folks often nod there head in agreement to that--then turn right around and do something dangerous. Due to plain old luck, most of us get away with doing some really dangerous things--escaping totally unscathed--over and over again. Unfortunately, when this is combined with a task we’ve done for ages, it reinforces an attitude of complacence. This complacent attitude leads us to miss (or at least ignore) serious dangers right in front of our faces.
One of the regular features in a quarterly safety magazine is a column that describes some recent serious (usually fatal) work-related accidents. While a few are the result of doing something really dumb, most happen as a result of a moment of inattention or carelessness--which is compounded by very bad luck that causes 2 or 3 other factors to turn against someone. Thankfully, it doesn’t happen too often but, when it does, it often results in serious injury or, tragically, a dead body. Before you cut corners on safety, think about that a moment: is a few seconds of time worth risking serious injury or death?
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Note: If you are planning on working on tasks involving objects that are above your head, a hard hat and
safety glasses are a really good idea. A decent hard hat can be picked up for about $6.00 at the big home improvement stores.