Let's Make a Case for Safety

I find it humourous and rewarding that I came from the white collar world to the blue...soot collared world. There is much cross over that is applicable and there is much to consider about rules, regulations, ways of the schoolyard in both work-worlds that is rediculous when viewed from the other side.

Take safety for instance. My white collar employer took safety quite seriously. There were certification classes and tests and recertification tests and forms and incident reports and hours and hours spent reviewing the stubbed toe Mary got while leaving the bathroom stall. stupid toilet paper roll. really. Humor aside, this is great commitment to each and every issue. However, 'Days Since Last Lost Work Time Incident' was and continues to be a big source of pride for many companies. That is not a good thing. It puts great pressure upon the bleeder to not report the lost finger; shame and being the reason the group looses the award, a very nice company logo'd t-shirt!, would be terrible. So many incidents go unreported. "Where's Joe?" "Joe who?....oh!, he, ah, had to poop." conversation dropped.

Safety in the blue collar world is also given much attention, from the big firms, from the insurance companies bleeding them dry too. Don't forget our diligent authorities in the public service. Nothing can shutter a company faster than OSHA except maybe the IRS.

Blue collar, in general though, is an area where you 'man-up' and forge-on. The stories on a construction site will curl your hair. "You see Paco over there? He once shot a sixteen penny through his ring finger and finished out his shift. With it still in. 'didn't want to bleed all over the subfloor." Plus, like pressures in the white collar world, Worker's Comp. claims is something ALL companies want to avoid like H1N1. Paco immediately receives a status of tough that can not be disregarded. That he was an idiot for shooting a nail gun loaded with framing nails through the two-by-four into his hand beneath...that is not relevent. Paco = badass.

Safety is an individual responsibility. You either do or do not follow practical guidelines. The filter mask, ear plugs, and eye wear are hot, uncomfortable, sadistic devices but if they allow your swimmers to swim straight later in life, keep your good eye intact well then why not just deal with it? In the moment, you may seem like a puss for wearing safety gear. Paco is one cool mofo afterall. But consider that without two pounds of sawdust and lead paint in your eyes, nose, and lungs you maaaayyyy just cut a little straighter and cipher a little bit more accurately. 'Two naught double four less the bird's mouth...ah! my head.'

So, you want a fancy t-shirt with "Safety is my number on priority" emblazened on the chest? I'll have one printed up for ya. In the meantime, put some damned safety glasses on.