What are you talking about? - the boss told them he'd fire them if they didn't do it!!
But I'm surev they're wearing steel-toed boots!
paden cash, post: 339888, member: 20 wrote: I once had a new hire refuse to carry cones out in traffic with the instrument man, who was preparing to set up there. Even though we had all the necessary safety equipment, he apparently didn't feel comfortable in traffic. If I remember correctly, his remark was something along the lines of, "you're crazy, I'm not going to stand in traffic!" I didn't push the issue. The last thing I want to do is force someone into an unsafe environment where they are not comfortable.
Some of the situations we get into as surveyors are pretty unique. How many people do you know that have had to run for their lives from an angry 1800 pound Santa Gertrudis bull? Or for that matter, possibly even dodged birdshot from the bull's owner's shotgun?
I don't want to start splitting hairs, but some of our work entails situations where the "required" safety equipment isn't feasible. I have been down inside concrete storm structures that technically would require atmosphere testing, forced ventilation and personnel harnesses. In years past I have also walked bridge beams without safety gear. As a young rodman I was "asked" by the party chief to venture out into a farm pond for some "bottom of pond" shots. As the water approached pocket-deep I slipped into a deep drop-off and began thrashing for my life...while the party chief was instructing the instrument man to "quick, get a shot!".
Anyway, we find ourselves in all sorts of situations not in the rule book. As some of the more "intelligent" humans that routinely belly crawl through moccasin-infested black water, or find ourselves 'inadvertently' rappelling down a forty-foot deep ravine (without any rappelling gear...), we need to use our noggins every day to keep us (and our employees) alive and well. And safety manuals are still no match for a good head and common sense.
Would I fire anybody for wading into a swollen neck deep crick for a stupid flowline shot? Probably not. While I agree it probably wasn't the smartest or safest thing to do with good equipment, we've all probably done far more dangerous things without thinking about it.
I once slid down an embankment that ended in a large River with the wheels turned on, with the robot in the back pack, tripod, rod, and metal locator all strapped to me. As I slid down the hill I remember thinking, man I wish the guy who wrote the safety policy was here to keep me from going of the edge. Luckily a tree took his place. The only way folks will keep themselves safe is to look out for themselves and have a little luck on their side.
Yes. If this was done with other alternatives available.
Now that is an experienced Land Surveyor. Send the young guy into the river. I am sitting right here with dry feet.
Jim in AZ, post: 339913, member: 249 wrote: What are you talking about? - the boss told them he'd fire them if they didn't do it!!
What am I talking about? Wow... we must be on different planets if do not see what is not OK here...
