Scott's channel and also my boss (ironically also named Scott) are what got me into being a general contractor. I'm 23 in college and am forever grateful - especially for the emphasis on safety.
It was back in the 80s. I was working my way through college on a construction job, and we got a call from a landowner who had some old, abandoned structure on his property, that he wanted us to tear down and haul away before we started building the apartments that were going on this guy's land. Sort of a "side job" and a "bonus" (as the landowner put it) for the small company I worked for. We got deep into the back of the tract of land, and found this old three story stone building back there, overgrown with weeds, saplings, and goddess knows what else. Bob, the "foreman" (he was also the owner's son) said to me (the youngest, most inexperienced guy on the crew) "Tomorrow, I want you to get a couple of guys and you all go in and climb up on that building, and start tearing it down". (By hand, since we couldn't get any equipment back in there) I took one look at it, and one look at him, and said "No. That's too dangerous. Somebody's going to get hurt." His reply was "You're fired." So I left the site, went on back to the dorm, and took a nap. The next Monday morning, he was standing outside my door when I was leaving to go to class, and said "Hey, I'm sorry about last week. The building collapsed with some of the guys on it, and two of them are in the hospital. Do you want to come back to work?" "Hell no!" I told him, and went on to class.
@@SonoftheWest316 Thanks. I didn't know what to do at the time, only that I wasn't going to climb up on anything that tall, that was visibly swaying in the breeze... I somehow don't think you would have either, had you actually seen it.
As a young business owner I learned the difference between being hurt and injured. If you’re hurt, you kept on working until the job was done, if you’re injured you seek medical attention. Fortunately I gained enough wisdom to only get hurt before I found out you shouldn’t be doing something.
Great story, Scott! I worked for over 20 years as an engineer designing mostly mine and quarry equipment for a manufacturer and I heard a few stories in that business. One was a worker who had been assigned the job of cleaning up dribbles from the tail of a belt conveyor that was tucked underneath some other equipment. The conveyor had, iirc, a six foot wide belt that carried crushed stone from beneath a crushing plant to another conveyor that fed a screening plant. The belt on this discharge conveyor went from the head pulley past a snubber pulley (to get more wrap on the head pulley) down at an angle to a hold-down pulley near the tail, then horizontally to the tail pulley, then to back to another hold-down pulley on the top side and back up at an angle to the head pulley. The safety guards had been removed and the employee was shoveling dribbles while the conveyor was running. (all this stuff was in violation of OSHA/MSHA safety rules and the employee had several warnings against doing this in his employee file.). Someone, just before the accident, told him he was asking to get hurt and he reportedly replied that he was too quick to get hurt. Well, his shovel got pulled in between the conveyor belt and the hold-down pulley and he was either too slow letting go or the shovel handle knocked him off balance and he too fell onto the moving belt, and got sucked between the conveyor belt and the hold-down pulley. He was kinda like a sock going through an old fashioned wringer washer. I saw photos of the scene, including his dead body. It was really gruesome and sobering.
For every story like his in the comments where they were ok. I imagine there’s just as many like yours where the person isn’t around anymore to share their stupid unsafe decisions that lead to death or permanent injury.
After working 25 years as a construction engineer, I was called too cautious and then 15 years as a safety engineer in construction I was still called too cautious but everyone went home under my watch. And, I still have stories like yours. The work needs to be done and you just look at all the options and proceed with the safest one. Reevaluating every step along the way. A wise man once told me to keep thinking “what’s going to kill me next.” If you stop thinking, it will catch up to you. Remember, “Safety Third”.
Hello Scott, my dad recommended your channel to me and I'm so grateful that he did. I love listening to you on my way to school in the morning. You are so open and honest about your motivations, your drive, the lessons you learned... you are an inspiration for me. Thank you Sir.
As a woman, I was introduced to Scott through Construction Experts online Construction Project Management Instructors Out of San Diego State -My favorite thing about Scott's Training/Experience is if you are patient and listen to him to end of the Story, that's the Lesson. Attention To Detail!!! I'm pretty sure his Son is doing the video! Happy to support the cause!!! See you Soon! Sophia!❤
Those hard jobs will stay with you forever. At moments when I think things are over my head I recall the harder things I've done and realize "if I could do that, then I can definitely do this" it's good to find out the limitations of your self
I worked in underground coal mines for several years as a younger man. The mining industry has always relied of the strong backs of stupid young men that think they are invincible! I was one of them! Looking back I have no clue how any of us made it out of that hole intact every night much less that mine only having 1 fatal accident in the 25 years it was running. You mentioned that you wanted the glory of having done that job yourself. Was it that or in the back of your head you could risk another for you stupid decisions? The dumbest of the many stupid decisions I made in the mines my worst fear was hurting one of my buddies. They put their lives in my had on a nightly basis and I held their safety will above my own!
You are the best storyteller, and this story made me laugh with you, because when we're young we're so full of spunk and spittle, but not always wise. And as we look back on those crazy things we pulled off, just to get the glory, we can smile, and shake our heads a little at our youthful follies. (And as human memory isn't always good, we always get some details wrong in the telling. Lol) I didn't have a beer listening to you, but you made my cup of green tea much more pleasurable as I felt that wistful tinge of recalled adventures of my own. Thank you. This was a gift.
In response to “As human memory isn’t always good, we always get some details wrong in the telling.” I once saw a bumper sticker that offered “Never let the truth get in the way of a good story”
Great story Scott. I think that's part of growing up as a man, taking on dangerous tasks to build will, courage, knowledge and skills. I know as a machinist I have done some down right hazordus things. I had a part that required a high polish on the inside, just shy of 3ft in diameter, the best way to do so was to have it spinning in the lathe at about 30rpm and use an air powered drum sander. Trouble was it was a little bit longer than my arm is so it resulted in me head and shoulders deep inside of a spinning part. Hands down, the dumbest, most dangerous thing I've ever done, but I did it and did it as safely as I could at least safe enough that no injuries occurred. Keep up the great work!
Not as crazy but right up there. Summer 1970, 22 years old, I'm working in research for a plastics company. Brand new Mustang Mach 1 in the parking lot to pay for and the union in the plant goes on strike. After several months the salaried employees in research are in the plant running it. Every so many batches of phenolic Bakelite resin someone had to go into the 1000 gal. reactor and air chisel off the walls to clean them. You're in this vessel with a big old agitator that hopefully someone has put a lock on the power switch, for 8 hours and an air chisel. No respirator or hearing protection or safety harness to extract you if you pass out. I did it once and after that told them to get someone else. Their choices were limited because you had to be able to fit thru the manhole. I did make a tone of money that summer though!
Great story, Scott. You are a gifted story teller and, like other commenters said, would love to hear more! Glad you had a positive outcome to that job and can look back with the mixed emotions of doing something that in hindsight was stupid but, in the end, has left you with the satisfying feeling of accomplishment and a job well done.
About 6 years ago I came across your channel and a video titled something like "become a chainsaw pro". This lead to more arborist-related videos via the YT algorithm (mostly arborist mishaps and fuck-ups). I told myself I'd never seek that kind of work. Well... an unexpected layoff and a few weeks later I found myself applying to become an arborist. Tomorrow is my final day at this company and I can't help but feel it's come full circle. Your recent video regarding back pain (the dentist's advice) has helped a bit. This video now, on this day in my life, is perfectly coincidental. I'm not yet 36 but your videos and wisdom within have lead me to both overcome a fear of chainsaws and speaking my mind when it comes to knowing my limits. EC, I thank you for leading me into both the worst and best job I ever had. I met some great people along the way and learned all sorts of things I never would have sought if it weren't for your simple video years ago. Damn glad that mine entrance didn't collapse on you. With love from Milwaukee, happy holidays!
Scott's example is why less than 30-year olds fight wars... they tend to think they are invincible. God has blessed you with a long life. Merry Christmas!
Love your videos. I loved the story, HATED the ending… What platform would you now have if you where seriously injured or worse. “Just keep chewing”!?!? Is that a situation you’d ever put one of your own children in? Keep up the great encouragement Scott. You encourage me to be a better tradesmen and take pride in my hard work. But let’s all come home at the end of the day able to chew our dinner. Thanks for that gift.
Spent a long time building and working on television towers. Completely insane. Maybe the most dangerous jobs in the country. Loved every minute of it.
As a self-employed young man, I understand exactly what you are saying. Sometimes, you just have to get something done. However, I also recognize that, though I’m not even 30, I don’t do some of the things on the job that I used to do 15 years ago. I’ve learned to rely more on the right tool for the job, and I try to employ a bit more safety rather than killing my body and risking life and limb……sometimes.
There are extremely few videos on RUclips that are truly valuable. This is one of them, because once you understand and internalize its content, it can save your life! Nothing less than that!
I know this mind set and ethic as it has thankfully gotten me to where I am today. I am not wealthy by any means, but I am alive and healthy still at 70. I am proud to know that I have solved numeroius job obstacles that " couldnt be solved" by in your words, "taking a gamble" based on what I knew about myself and the knowledge I posess. I am also grateful I survied some of them as they may have been a bit foolhearty but given it may be my achilles heal its what made life more valued. It was elightening to hear a similar story from you as I feel a similar path in our lives. Thanks and Merry Christmas Scott
What a story!! I’ve been there as well, done some dangerous stupid things working my guts out. Sounds like a lotta guys on here have. We’re still alive to tell the stories. Thanks for sharing Scott
Been there and done that. Have taken on as much as i could handle plus some and found the fortitude to master the challenges. Now retired with the resulting plaguing painful permanent injuries. Being my own boss was rough - some days I fired myself. Each morning i rehired myself.
This story reminds me of why so many people I work with have had so many major injuries, which have led to knee replacements, hips and shoulder. Let’s not forget herniated disc. If you’re young don’t be reckless with your body. Good story and I am happy to hear no one was killed.
Any of us who have worked construction have done something that made us wonder how we survived. I've done a lot of stupid stuff and at 70 years old, am paying for it now.
68 and right behind you, should have listened to my Dad and worked with my head not my back, paying for it now , bad knees, shoulders, back, just plain wore out, but... my kids had a good life!
Stupid makes the best stories if you live through it. A bit behind you in the race of life but still grew up in the era when we did stupid and have great stories, but no video proof (good in some cases :) ). Old is earned. The current screen generation is going to have a hard time telling stories about the time they clicked left then right and saved the universe.
@@JamesSmith-mz9ec Can't tell me you wouldn't go back right now and do it again if you could. If marty showed up with the delorean right now, I would not hesitate and go back and do it again.
@@motofunk1 Oh I would do it again, when I was young I worked commercial jobs like Hotels in Vegas that have been torn down and rebuilt on top of, many Hospitals and Universities in So Cal along with 3 attractions at Dizzyland and other various buildings, then I moved to Washington State and started a small company with a friend for 25 years, nothing major a couple spec houses but mostly remodel and decks, only thing we subbed out was the use of a friends electricians license, we anted all the $ from the job, just made us both worn out now!
I worked construction during the summers to pay college tuition; and there are a couple of incidents that make me ask myself why I did it. But then, I became a Marine Naval Flight Officer and flew on and off aircraft carriers. GOD has blessed me with the ability to look back on my flying career and be immensely proud of what I did; and at the same time, shake my head in wonderment at how I lived long enough to look back (when so many comrades didn't).
It's amazing that we survived some of the things we did back when we were young and immortal. I've got 2-3 yrs on you, Scott, but totally had the same mindset back then. Did my time in the 82nd Airborne Div, where every one of us was convinced that no bullet had our name on it. It's fun to be young, but even better to survive being young.
As a young man, I think it's called "bullet proof". I too was very lucky myself during my career to have not been seriously hurt. Brought back memories of some of the things I have done; many stupid too. Thanks.
Love your work stories as I have gotten older I resonate with this a lot. You're an excellent father figure to many of us men who didn't have that growing up. God bless you sir.
This individual, and a few others like him, have lived through a level of experiences most people only sniff for a few moments in life. Well done fine sir, thank you for sharing your experiences!
As a 18 year old laborer for a short time on a concrete crew we were putting in a basement under an existing home. I was tasked with empting an large old well area under the front door. It was boxed in with concrete block walls, filled with sand and no way to get a conveyor in. One shovel full at a time I pitched it out through an opening. That task taught me patience as the sand collapsed and showing me no progress. It also taught me never to hand shovel sand again!
Been there! Being young, eager, overzealous, and willing to tackle anything - I learned many lessons the hard (and expensive) way. I still have the same outlook but at 77 things are slowing down (regrettably). Appreciate hearing about your experiences, Scott.
@8:05 That's the "Old enough to know better, but young enough not to care" stage of growing up as men. Also, you can talk about carving your turkey on Thanksgiving and it would be a riveting story. You, sir, have a God given talent for storytelling.
If that tunnel still exists...... Please Please Please go up there and get some video. Your stories are so good and told so well. Seeing the tunnel, even just the outside and the location while you add some details to this story would be great. Many of your stories involve locations that may still exist. We would all enjoy filling in the details with some video.
I like the fact that when i started listening to the story, and the problem at hand, my mind went to the same solution. There might be better solutions, but if i can even sometimes think the same way as you then maybe there’s some hope for my career after all!
Mr.Scott, you explained that story in such detail. It was if We were standing right there with you at the job site. Keep up the good work, and thank you.
Here in VA on old mine shafts we would have blown the top out with blasting caps (making a trench) then backfilling the hole with rock. In no way would we send guys inside a shaft. Trust me here on the east coast coal, iron, and magnesium mines are everywhere and old ones are filled in everyday
I knew an old Estoian carpenter who told me he had only ever quit one job. His first working at a mine, on his first day some poor unfortunate soul got crushed. He was on hand to help recover the body. He decided he did not survive the war to perish so randomly and leave his young family alone in a strange new land.
What a great life lesson and a awesome story of life's experience. I'm just 3 months short of 65 and I can say I have more than a few similar stories of my own. My philosophy has always been to learn something new every day. If you don't try to do the hard things always taking the easy route your never going to learn.
I think that every man who has done worthwhile work in his lifetime has taken on a job like this just to prove it to himself that he is up to the task and has the fortitude and skill to pull it off. I remember silo ensilage filling time on my Grandfather's dairy farm when I was a teenager. One of the jobs that somebody had to do is go inside the silo when it was nearly full to the top - maybe within 6 ft. As the corn was blown up by the blower 60 ft. below, I and sometimes my Uncle, each separately taking turns worked feverishly forking silage off the mounting mound to spread it evenly around. Often times, as hard as I tried to clear it, it would bury me up to my waste before the wagon was done and the blower stopped. An unpleasant event would ensue if you did not keep up and it topped you (though you could probably dig out ok). These are things you do and have to do and paler men will never know - they seeing imminent ill fate in all efforts of similar nature.
Awesome. That's the kind of story that serves as a foundation for the kind of lifelong confidence that can only be gained by 'doing the impossible' as a young man. It's a rite of passage to test one's mettle like this, and one that every young guy should seek out. I bet EC's got a bunch of them.
I always say, “if your dumb you better be strong” Thanks for sharing your experience. I enjoy your videos. They are very pleasant and helpful. I told a few of my good friends about your channel. I also told them how cool it would be to learn and work for you. Then I realized now you’re at the point where you have become a teacher of the art of working. I pro là would have had a different opinion if I worked for you 30 years ago. Thanks
We did a lot of things when we were younger which we wouldn't think about trying with the wisdom age brings. Still, it is fun telling those stories. Thanks for sharing!
Thinking back, maybe putting the conveyor up on a set of legs so it was throwing the rock off right at the top of the tunnel would have eliminated the need to be in there shoveling it. It would have stacked the rock right to the top.
I appreciate your candid explanation of why you did it alone. Especially when you could've easily fibbed and said it was because it was dangerous and you didn't want to risk anyone else's life. Speaking of conveyor belts, an older friend of mine was a coal miner for years and years. He was just a tiny little guy - probably barely 5 feet tall, and scrawny. So he got assigned a lot of jobs that bigger guys simply couldn't do because of their size. One of the jobs he had was to shovel coal back onto a conveyor as it fell off. He spent his entire shifts, sometimes on his hands and knees, shoveling coal back onto this mostly flat conveyor belt until one day he decided he was working harder not smarter. He took a bunch of lumber down there over the course of a couple days and fabricated sides for the conveyor so none of the coal would fall off. Once he was finished, he said it would only take him half an hour or so to shovel up the tiny bit that did fall off over the course of a shift, so he'd just go down there and sleep all shift. When his boss found out, he told my friend that if the mine had contracted someone to develop and install those sides for the conveyor belt, it would've cost them way more than they were paying my friend in wages, so he could keep enjoying his naps! haha
Great story! again thank you for all your wonderful content, you've taught me so much. I'm a Scottish Stone Mason and my thoughts on how to do it safely, I'm sure you'll have many of these, would be to hang a tremy pipe tight to the roof of the tunnel and pump weak concrete with a very low slump into the shaft having shuttered all but the very top of the entrance pulling the tremy pipe back only as it blocks. Just a thought keep up the Fantastic work
Good for you, well done. That is exactly the old American work ethic...innovate, brainstorm, assume some risk, and get it done...while others are still standing around talking about it.
I've watched and listened to you many times over the years Scott, and when it comes to forming, framing and a lot of other aspects, you're dead on. Most I'd even say... Good insights! but when it comes to safety... I always become ambivalent. It's as if... I'm not sure exactly how to express it... but that little kid inside every man, who very well heard what was said, but doesn't care and doesn't know, not fully anyway... the one that keeps going when nobody is looking, although he was specifically told not to. Not because it was illegal, just because or otherwise, but because it was dangerous. You're quite fond of that little rebel, and that's okay - we all know and have him... but do all of those little bastards (rebel within) watching your channel really need further encouragement, than what they can already come up with all by themselves?!? ...I know a handful of pretty bad ones to begin with! 😂😂 Anyhow - another great story told with calm and presence, just the way we like it. Merry Xmas and happy new year to all of you!
I love hearing Scott's stories. I would have loved to work under a man like Scott. It so happens that my name is also Scott. I am all too familiar with biting off a little too much. I'm glad that I never went into construction - because it probably would have killed me. I'm a little too rambunctious. I have tons of respect for this man and I love his stories. Its obvious he loves his family and his friends.
Great story Scott I've worked numerous different jobs. And yes I've done some questionable things to get jobs done. But only in the last few years I've come to the realization that hey if the boss won't do the job himself then why should I put myself in harms way to make him look good for the clients.
What you said in the end I was thinking throughout the video. I take precautions most of the time. However I may or may not make it to your age, but don't want to without some cool stories. One day I had to haul a 90 foor beam down a mountain road in Jackson wy that was restricted to 40 foot vehicles. But that picture was definitely worth it.
Yes we all did the same thing. Part lack of knowledge, or experience and part I cannot afford to lose my job. I thought about this for a minute and all my danger jobs happened while working for someone else. Cheers 🇨🇦
Good video! All of my close calls at work came from not wearing proper safety gear. I sprayed a basement with oil based paint and a dust mask. I ended up in the emergency room. I wear safety gear at age forty one because of all the trial and error I went through in my twenties and thirties. So when they say wear safety gear, it’s for a reason!
We are a product of our experiences. What a great video! A Man doesn’t know what he is capable of unless you know what you’re capable of. You are 100% correct on It’s good to bite off more than you can chew on occasion.
love the story and how it came about, I'm sure that you have more that you can tell us, Please do. You are also very good at telling how it was all done.
100%. When I look back at some of the big chimneys I worked on in my late teens, early 20s, without proper access equipment, i.e. if it was just a 'quick job' to pop a pot on or a little repointing, it makes my heart race. And for what I say now? To make the bill cheap for the owner? Crazy stuff I'd never think about doing now. But young people, (me included) thought that we were bulletproof, with zero sense of our own mortality. Death was for old people.
Thank you for sharing Scott while you were sharing your story it brought back memories of jobs that I did that when I was doing them, I would say to myself "I could die what am I doing?" Fortunately I'm still alive at 65 years of age taking these chances. Now that I'm older I'm a lot more cautious. I really look forward to watching all your videos.
Well said As I reflect back 82 years in a variety of careers where mistakes could be fatal. Some of us have the explorer gene " Not right or wrong just IS
If you’ll allow me some follow ups: 1) Was it _actually_ good money? For the scope of the project, regardless of what type of approach might be taken to complete it, would you say today that the compensation was proportionate to the skill effort required? 2) At what point does a job seem so singularly and uniquely weird, unpredictable, and probably dangerous that you ask a client, “uh, consider calling a construction engineer for a consultation, because the only solution I can come up with is to shuttle hundreds of cubic yards of crushed stone via a series of roughly half a dozen electric conveyors Rube Goldberg’d together. I’ll be there at the end- catching all the rocks in a shovel, and heaving them over my shoulder until it’s done. That is my professional recommendation.”
I think part of the moral is that jobs need done. Yes they’re dangerous, yes they’re hard, but it needs done. There’s a certain level of safety that needs to be observed, but sometimes, it boils down to-we(or I) gotta get this done
This story reminds me of my Dad and why he was such a great example of what it means to be a man. He was as close as you can get (in my experience) to "If".
Scott is such a great storyteller. God willing someday ill be a grandpa telling the kiddos about how i risked life and limb fixing trucks on the side of the road. 😅😅
The most dangerous stories I’ve ever heard while being on a construction site is when guys cited to have worked on dams. I’m glad you survived. But guys out there do sacrifice themselves unnecessarily. The macho, glory hound stuff is a weakness. Not a strength. And it bleeds into other industries.
I once built through a wall to make a doorway, the wall which was triple wythed brick into what was a boiler room, black on the inside of it, two floor above of wall, I didn’t know what to expect with that one, but i pushed on through. It’s the uncertainty of what is above, that you have to make calculated risks in the removal, and keep a clear path of clearance, something exactly like logging. Bracing. Scaffolding. Staging. Tools. Methodology. Materials, getting the most out of them. Overall approach. Whenever you are working with objects and things vastly heavier than man, which is almost always the case in construction, you got to consider things carefully. Conveyor belts could be useful in bricklaying, with a machine at the other end. Until then, I’ll lay them by hand. Have a good day.
The sacrifice we make to feed and support our families. I deliver professional appliances in Chicago. Sometimes there is no elevator no access for a crane, and it’s just balls to the wall, lifting, pushing,pulling, up 3 , 4, flights of stairs.
Merry Christmas Scott and extended family. Yes our ego's tend to write cheques our physiques and wits can't afford to cash, sometimes when we think we are ten foot tall and bullet proof.
I watched a guy go blind from chemicals in front of "macho guys" who thought it was nothing. Don't discount safety ever. People literally went about shuffling paperwork and doing nothing while this guys eyes bulged pure white...no pupils. It was horrific. I was the only one to engage the situation and get our delivery driver to get this guy to a hospital asap with the chemical info. The company got sued....of course. Later the delivery driver told me what the conversation was like on the way to the hospital. That was horrific to hear. I also learned later that probably keeping his eyes under flushing water would have been more beneficial while waiting for an ambulance than being in a delivery van with a few wet rags to soak his eyes.... So by taking action I scared the delivery driver and possibly made this man's condition worse....I'll never know. I do know that no one else....not even the shop foreman did anything but make things worse by ignoring the urgency. I've written this comment almost 5 times to leave out so many details. There's too many shocking things to tell. Just use your head...get some safety training ANYTIME they offer it and if your career mentor is the "glory seeker" type.....you are probably in some level of danger. Find the old dude that's seen some shit and speak to him. This video comment ate my entire evening...and I've been in tears a few times and this happened more than 25 years ago. You don't want to be hurt or let others be hurt. Macho guys are pussies....I learned that also. Take care and be well.
over the years I still find myself climbing and setting up plank configurations that have only two outcomes if you lose your footing. Severe injury or death. Like your spiders and other clear and present dangers I block them out and get my job done. I'm 58 now and see no end in sight for this. Retirement isn't something that is going to happen due to the fact that if I don't work I don't eat. The good news is their is work if you're chock full of experience and have tools to get things done. The most dangerous tool? The one you are currently using.
It is vitally important for young people, men and women, to DO HARD THINGS and to suffer some in the doing so that they know they can! The reward is self confidence!
A lot of people blow off safety rules (every one of which is written in blood), and as a retired med school prof of surgery and avid woodworker, I've seen a variety of injuries. I'll tell you that there are no safe machines or work tasks. There are only mindful operators who don't clown around and are willing to learn good work techniques and habits. It's a good idea to listen to that little voice inside your head. If something seems dangerous then it is, because you don't know what you're doing, or you're tired, or it is truly dangerous. Stop and ask for advice - it's not shameful. Stop and think if there's a different way to get the job done. Always have someone around to rescue you up if a bad thing happens. Finally, a good friend (a highpower electrician) once told me these wise words: "Never be afraid to ask if someone is ok."
Not too long ago, I was asked to lie on my back on a wet floor underneath some equipment. A bottling machine to be exact. At least a hundred terminations needed to be made. The issue was that some of those circuits were energized. No one knew which were hot and which were not. I looked at my boss with as serious a look as possible. I told him flat out ,NO. I was more than willing to do the job if the circuits were de-energized. They would not shut down the line. Apparently, a man's life is not worth the cost of a carbonated beverage.
I'm 62 and when I'm listening to you I feel like I'm a young man again listening to my Grandfather. I could listen to you all day my friend.
Scott's channel and also my boss (ironically also named Scott) are what got me into being a general contractor.
I'm 23 in college and am forever grateful - especially for the emphasis on safety.
Same here.
61, just retired and I look back on so many "projects" with "What was I thinking?"
Oh, that included joining the Marine Corp 😆
61 here…. I got a couple of those Glory Days stories. Live to tell the tale!
Same here except I am 31 haha
It was back in the 80s. I was working my way through college on a construction job, and we got a call from a landowner who had some old, abandoned structure on his property, that he wanted us to tear down and haul away before we started building the apartments that were going on this guy's land. Sort of a "side job" and a "bonus" (as the landowner put it) for the small company I worked for.
We got deep into the back of the tract of land, and found this old three story stone building back there, overgrown with weeds, saplings, and goddess knows what else. Bob, the "foreman" (he was also the owner's son) said to me (the youngest, most inexperienced guy on the crew) "Tomorrow, I want you to get a couple of guys and you all go in and climb up on that building, and start tearing it down". (By hand, since we couldn't get any equipment back in there) I took one look at it, and one look at him, and said "No. That's too dangerous. Somebody's going to get hurt."
His reply was "You're fired." So I left the site, went on back to the dorm, and took a nap. The next Monday morning, he was standing outside my door when I was leaving to go to class, and said "Hey, I'm sorry about last week. The building collapsed with some of the guys on it, and two of them are in the hospital. Do you want to come back to work?"
"Hell no!" I told him, and went on to class.
Good call. I would have been one of the guys in the hospital.
@@SonoftheWest316 Thanks. I didn't know what to do at the time, only that I wasn't going to climb up on anything that tall, that was visibly swaying in the breeze... I somehow don't think you would have either, had you actually seen it.
Smart move. 👍
@@SonoftheWest316 Or in a box in the ground
😂 good answer!
As a young business owner I learned the difference between being hurt and injured. If you’re hurt, you kept on working until the job was done, if you’re injured you seek medical attention. Fortunately I gained enough wisdom to only get hurt before I found out you shouldn’t be doing something.
Great story, Scott!
I worked for over 20 years as an engineer designing mostly mine and quarry equipment for a manufacturer and I heard a few stories in that business. One was a worker who had been assigned the job of cleaning up dribbles from the tail of a belt conveyor that was tucked underneath some other equipment. The conveyor had, iirc, a six foot wide belt that carried crushed stone from beneath a crushing plant to another conveyor that fed a screening plant. The belt on this discharge conveyor went from the head pulley past a snubber pulley (to get more wrap on the head pulley) down at an angle to a hold-down pulley near the tail, then horizontally to the tail pulley, then to back to another hold-down pulley on the top side and back up at an angle to the head pulley. The safety guards had been removed and the employee was shoveling dribbles while the conveyor was running. (all this stuff was in violation of OSHA/MSHA safety rules and the employee had several warnings against doing this in his employee file.). Someone, just before the accident, told him he was asking to get hurt and he reportedly replied that he was too quick to get hurt. Well, his shovel got pulled in between the conveyor belt and the hold-down pulley and he was either too slow letting go or the shovel handle knocked him off balance and he too fell onto the moving belt, and got sucked between the conveyor belt and the hold-down pulley. He was kinda like a sock going through an old fashioned wringer washer. I saw photos of the scene, including his dead body. It was really gruesome and sobering.
For every story like his in the comments where they were ok. I imagine there’s just as many like yours where the person isn’t around anymore to share their stupid unsafe decisions that lead to death or permanent injury.
@@torque9889Darwin Award winners and runners up.
Damn... I really enjoy hearing stories of peoples experiences. You should share more.
After working 25 years as a construction engineer, I was called too cautious and then 15 years as a safety engineer in construction I was still called too cautious but everyone went home under my watch. And, I still have stories like yours. The work needs to be done and you just look at all the options and proceed with the safest one. Reevaluating every step along the way. A wise man once told me to keep thinking “what’s going to kill me next.” If you stop thinking, it will catch up to you. Remember, “Safety Third”.
I could listen to him read the legal section of the local paper and never get bored!
Hello Scott, my dad recommended your channel to me and I'm so grateful that he did. I love listening to you on my way to school in the morning. You are so open and honest about your motivations, your drive, the lessons you learned... you are an inspiration for me. Thank you Sir.
As a woman, I was introduced to Scott through Construction Experts online Construction Project Management Instructors Out of San Diego State -My favorite thing about Scott's Training/Experience is if you are patient and listen to him to end of the Story, that's the Lesson. Attention To Detail!!! I'm pretty sure his Son is doing the video! Happy to support the cause!!! See you Soon! Sophia!❤
Those hard jobs will stay with you forever. At moments when I think things are over my head I recall the harder things I've done and realize "if I could do that, then I can definitely do this" it's good to find out the limitations of your self
I worked in underground coal mines for several years as a younger man. The mining industry has always relied of the strong backs of stupid young men that think they are invincible! I was one of them! Looking back I have no clue how any of us made it out of that hole intact every night much less that mine only having 1 fatal accident in the 25 years it was running.
You mentioned that you wanted the glory of having done that job yourself. Was it that or in the back of your head you could risk another for you stupid decisions? The dumbest of the many stupid decisions I made in the mines my worst fear was hurting one of my buddies. They put their lives in my had on a nightly basis and I held their safety will above my own!
You are the best storyteller, and this story made me laugh with you, because when we're young we're so full of spunk and spittle, but not always wise. And as we look back on those crazy things we pulled off, just to get the glory, we can smile, and shake our heads a little at our youthful follies. (And as human memory isn't always good, we always get some details wrong in the telling. Lol) I didn't have a beer listening to you, but you made my cup of green tea much more pleasurable as I felt that wistful tinge of recalled adventures of my own. Thank you. This was a gift.
In response to “As human memory isn’t always good, we always get some details wrong in the telling.” I once saw a bumper sticker that offered “Never let the truth get in the way of a good story”
Great story Scott. I think that's part of growing up as a man, taking on dangerous tasks to build will, courage, knowledge and skills. I know as a machinist I have done some down right hazordus things. I had a part that required a high polish on the inside, just shy of 3ft in diameter, the best way to do so was to have it spinning in the lathe at about 30rpm and use an air powered drum sander. Trouble was it was a little bit longer than my arm is so it resulted in me head and shoulders deep inside of a spinning part. Hands down, the dumbest, most dangerous thing I've ever done, but I did it and did it as safely as I could at least safe enough that no injuries occurred. Keep up the great work!
Not as crazy but right up there. Summer 1970, 22 years old, I'm working in research for a plastics company. Brand new Mustang Mach 1 in the parking lot to pay for and the union in the plant goes on strike. After several months the salaried employees in research are in the plant running it. Every so many batches of phenolic Bakelite resin someone had to go into the 1000 gal. reactor and air chisel off the walls to clean them. You're in this vessel with a big old agitator that hopefully someone has put a lock on the power switch, for 8 hours and an air chisel. No respirator or hearing protection or safety harness to extract you if you pass out. I did it once and after that told them to get someone else. Their choices were limited because you had to be able to fit thru the manhole. I did make a tone of money that summer though!
I recently found your channel. I cannot stop. It’s as if I’m listening to my Grandpa describe his work to me. Thank you!
Great story, Scott. You are a gifted story teller and, like other commenters said, would love to hear more! Glad you had a positive outcome to that job and can look back with the mixed emotions of doing something that in hindsight was stupid but, in the end, has left you with the satisfying feeling of accomplishment and a job well done.
About 6 years ago I came across your channel and a video titled something like "become a chainsaw pro". This lead to more arborist-related videos via the YT algorithm (mostly arborist mishaps and fuck-ups). I told myself I'd never seek that kind of work. Well... an unexpected layoff and a few weeks later I found myself applying to become an arborist. Tomorrow is my final day at this company and I can't help but feel it's come full circle. Your recent video regarding back pain (the dentist's advice) has helped a bit. This video now, on this day in my life, is perfectly coincidental. I'm not yet 36 but your videos and wisdom within have lead me to both overcome a fear of chainsaws and speaking my mind when it comes to knowing my limits. EC, I thank you for leading me into both the worst and best job I ever had. I met some great people along the way and learned all sorts of things I never would have sought if it weren't for your simple video years ago. Damn glad that mine entrance didn't collapse on you. With love from Milwaukee, happy holidays!
Scott's example is why less than 30-year olds fight wars... they tend to think they are invincible. God has blessed you with a long life. Merry Christmas!
Love your videos. I loved the story, HATED the ending…
What platform would you now have if you where seriously injured or worse. “Just keep chewing”!?!? Is that a situation you’d ever put one of your own children in?
Keep up the great encouragement Scott. You encourage me to be a better tradesmen and take pride in my hard work. But let’s all come home at the end of the day able to chew our dinner. Thanks for that gift.
Spent a long time building and working on television towers. Completely insane. Maybe the most dangerous jobs in the country. Loved every minute of it.
As a self-employed young man, I understand exactly what you are saying. Sometimes, you just have to get something done. However, I also recognize that, though I’m not even 30, I don’t do some of the things on the job that I used to do 15 years ago. I’ve learned to rely more on the right tool for the job, and I try to employ a bit more safety rather than killing my body and risking life and limb……sometimes.
There are extremely few videos on RUclips that are truly valuable. This is one of them, because once you understand and internalize its content, it can save your life! Nothing less than that!
I know this mind set and ethic as it has thankfully gotten me to where I am today. I am not wealthy by any means, but I am alive and healthy still at 70. I am proud to know that I have solved numeroius job obstacles that " couldnt be solved" by in your words, "taking a gamble" based on what I knew about myself and the knowledge I posess. I am also grateful I survied some of them as they may have been a bit foolhearty but given it may be my achilles heal its what made life more valued. It was elightening to hear a similar story from you as I feel a similar path in our lives. Thanks and Merry Christmas Scott
What a story!! I’ve been there as well, done some dangerous stupid things working my guts out. Sounds like a lotta guys on here have. We’re still alive to tell the stories. Thanks for sharing Scott
Been there and done that. Have taken on as much as i could handle plus some and found the fortitude to master the challenges. Now retired with the resulting plaguing painful permanent injuries. Being my own boss was rough - some days I fired myself. Each morning i rehired myself.
This story reminds me of why so many people I work with have had so many major injuries, which have led to knee replacements, hips and shoulder. Let’s not forget herniated disc. If you’re young don’t be reckless with your body. Good story and I am happy to hear no one was killed.
Any of us who have worked construction have done something that made us wonder how we survived. I've done a lot of stupid stuff and at 70 years old, am paying for it now.
68 and right behind you, should have listened to my Dad and worked with my head not my back, paying for it now , bad knees, shoulders, back, just plain wore out, but... my kids had a good life!
Stupid makes the best stories if you live through it. A bit behind you in the race of life but still grew up in the era when we did stupid and have great stories, but no video proof (good in some cases :) ). Old is earned.
The current screen generation is going to have a hard time telling stories about the time they clicked left then right and saved the universe.
@@JamesSmith-mz9ec Can't tell me you wouldn't go back right now and do it again if you could. If marty showed up with the delorean right now, I would not hesitate and go back and do it again.
@@motofunk1 Oh I would do it again, when I was young I worked commercial jobs like Hotels in Vegas that have been torn down and rebuilt on top of, many Hospitals and Universities in So Cal along with 3 attractions at Dizzyland and other various buildings, then I moved to Washington State and started a small company with a friend for 25 years, nothing major a couple spec houses but mostly remodel and decks, only thing we subbed out was the use of a friends electricians license, we anted all the $ from the job, just made us both worn out now!
I worked construction during the summers to pay college tuition; and there are a couple of incidents that make me ask myself why I did it. But then, I became a Marine Naval Flight Officer and flew on and off aircraft carriers. GOD has blessed me with the ability to look back on my flying career and be immensely proud of what I did; and at the same time, shake my head in wonderment at how I lived long enough to look back (when so many comrades didn't).
I think I speak for all of your viewers when I say you sure know how to tell a story, and we're glad you got away with that risk. Merry Christmas!
It's amazing that we survived some of the things we did back when we were young and immortal. I've got 2-3 yrs on you, Scott, but totally had the same mindset back then. Did my time in the 82nd Airborne Div, where every one of us was convinced that no bullet had our name on it. It's fun to be young, but even better to survive being young.
As a young man, I think it's called "bullet proof". I too was very lucky myself during my career to have not been seriously hurt. Brought back memories of some of the things I have done; many stupid too. Thanks.
in case anyone had any doubts before - that is a REAL MAN your listening to!
Love your work stories as I have gotten older I resonate with this a lot. You're an excellent father figure to many of us men who didn't have that growing up. God bless you sir.
Your not the only man that could do it, but you were the only man available that could/would do it
This individual, and a few others like him, have lived through a level of experiences most people only sniff for a few moments in life. Well done fine sir, thank you for sharing your experiences!
As a 18 year old laborer for a short time on a concrete crew we were putting in a basement under an existing home. I was tasked with empting an large old well area under the front door. It was boxed in with concrete block walls, filled with sand and no way to get a conveyor in. One shovel full at a time I pitched it out through an opening. That task taught me patience as the sand collapsed and showing me no progress. It also taught me never to hand shovel sand again!
We thank the oh god for this man’s wisdom and his willingness to teach and share for all of our benefit.
Been there! Being young, eager, overzealous, and willing to tackle anything - I learned many lessons the hard (and expensive) way. I still have the same outlook but at 77 things are slowing down (regrettably). Appreciate hearing about your experiences, Scott.
@8:05 That's the "Old enough to know better, but young enough not to care" stage of growing up as men. Also, you can talk about carving your turkey on Thanksgiving and it would be a riveting story. You, sir, have a God given talent for storytelling.
If that tunnel still exists...... Please Please Please go up there and get some video. Your stories are so good and told so well. Seeing the tunnel, even just the outside and the location while you add some details to this story would be great.
Many of your stories involve locations that may still exist. We would all enjoy filling in the details with some video.
That's a great idea, i hope he takes you up on it.
@@Matt_Alaric thanks
I like the fact that when i started listening to the story, and the problem at hand, my mind went to the same solution. There might be better solutions, but if i can even sometimes think the same way as you then maybe there’s some hope for my career after all!
Mr.Scott, you explained that story in such detail. It was if We were standing right there with you at the job site. Keep up the good work, and thank you.
My dad said Do what you do- do well. thanks for sharing your amazing talents.
Here in VA on old mine shafts we would have blown the top out with blasting caps (making a trench) then backfilling the hole with rock. In no way would we send guys inside a shaft. Trust me here on the east coast coal, iron, and magnesium mines are everywhere and old ones are filled in everyday
I knew an old Estoian carpenter who told me he had only ever quit one job. His first working at a mine, on his first day some poor unfortunate soul got crushed. He was on hand to help recover the body. He decided he did not survive the war to perish so randomly and leave his young family alone in a strange new land.
What a great life lesson and a awesome story of life's experience. I'm just 3 months short of 65 and I can say I have more than a few similar stories of my own. My philosophy has always been to learn something new every day. If you don't try to do the hard things always taking the easy route your never going to learn.
Thanks Scott, we appreciate you. Keep up the good work buddy.
Anyone who has really worked can relate to this story. Great video!
Great story, by a great storyteller! Thanks for posting!
I think that every man who has done worthwhile work in his lifetime has taken on a job like this just to prove it to himself that he is up to the task and has the fortitude and skill to pull it off. I remember silo ensilage filling time on my Grandfather's dairy farm when I was a teenager. One of the jobs that somebody had to do is go inside the silo when it was nearly full to the top - maybe within 6 ft. As the corn was blown up by the blower 60 ft. below, I and sometimes my Uncle, each separately taking turns worked feverishly forking silage off the mounting mound to spread it evenly around. Often times, as hard as I tried to clear it, it would bury me up to my waste before the wagon was done and the blower stopped. An unpleasant event would ensue if you did not keep up and it topped you (though you could probably dig out ok). These are things you do and have to do and paler men will never know - they seeing imminent ill fate in all efforts of similar nature.
Awesome. That's the kind of story that serves as a foundation for the kind of lifelong confidence that can only be gained by 'doing the impossible' as a young man. It's a rite of passage to test one's mettle like this, and one that every young guy should seek out. I bet EC's got a bunch of them.
I always say, “if your dumb you better be strong”
Thanks for sharing your experience.
I enjoy your videos. They are very pleasant and helpful. I told a few of my good friends about your channel. I also told them how cool it would be to learn and work for you. Then I realized now you’re at the point where you have become a teacher of the art of working. I pro là would have had a different opinion if I worked for you 30 years ago. Thanks
One element of a good, happy life is doing hard things. They teach and stretch us, and make great stories
We did a lot of things when we were younger which we wouldn't think about trying with the wisdom age brings. Still, it is fun telling those stories. Thanks for sharing!
Thinking back, maybe putting the conveyor up on a set of legs so it was throwing the rock off right at the top of the tunnel would have eliminated the need to be in there shoveling it. It would have stacked the rock right to the top.
I've heard a lot of stories but that one sets the bar high.
I appreciate your candid explanation of why you did it alone. Especially when you could've easily fibbed and said it was because it was dangerous and you didn't want to risk anyone else's life.
Speaking of conveyor belts, an older friend of mine was a coal miner for years and years. He was just a tiny little guy - probably barely 5 feet tall, and scrawny. So he got assigned a lot of jobs that bigger guys simply couldn't do because of their size. One of the jobs he had was to shovel coal back onto a conveyor as it fell off. He spent his entire shifts, sometimes on his hands and knees, shoveling coal back onto this mostly flat conveyor belt until one day he decided he was working harder not smarter. He took a bunch of lumber down there over the course of a couple days and fabricated sides for the conveyor so none of the coal would fall off. Once he was finished, he said it would only take him half an hour or so to shovel up the tiny bit that did fall off over the course of a shift, so he'd just go down there and sleep all shift. When his boss found out, he told my friend that if the mine had contracted someone to develop and install those sides for the conveyor belt, it would've cost them way more than they were paying my friend in wages, so he could keep enjoying his naps! haha
Been there...."Ten feet tall and bullet proof". I bet, at the moment, your heart was full of joy as you enjoyed the challenge!
Thanks for the video.
Great story! again thank you for all your wonderful content, you've taught me so much. I'm a Scottish Stone Mason and my thoughts on how to do it safely, I'm sure you'll have many of these, would be to hang a tremy pipe tight to the roof of the tunnel and pump weak concrete with a very low slump into the shaft having shuttered all but the very top of the entrance pulling the tremy pipe back only as it blocks. Just a thought keep up the Fantastic work
Good for you, well done. That is exactly the old American work ethic...innovate, brainstorm, assume some risk, and get it done...while others are still standing around talking about it.
I've watched and listened to you many times over the years Scott, and when it comes to forming, framing and a lot of other aspects, you're dead on. Most I'd even say... Good insights! but when it comes to safety... I always become ambivalent. It's as if... I'm not sure exactly how to express it... but that little kid inside every man, who very well heard what was said, but doesn't care and doesn't know, not fully anyway... the one that keeps going when nobody is looking, although he was specifically told not to. Not because it was illegal, just because or otherwise, but because it was dangerous. You're quite fond of that little rebel, and that's okay - we all know and have him... but do all of those little bastards (rebel within) watching your channel really need further encouragement, than what they can already come up with all by themselves?!? ...I know a handful of pretty bad ones to begin with! 😂😂 Anyhow - another great story told with calm and presence, just the way we like it. Merry Xmas and happy new year to all of you!
I love hearing Scott's stories. I would have loved to work under a man like Scott. It so happens that my name is also Scott. I am all too familiar with biting off a little too much. I'm glad that I never went into construction - because it probably would have killed me. I'm a little too rambunctious. I have tons of respect for this man and I love his stories. Its obvious he loves his family and his friends.
Just received my formsetter sledge hammer. Absolutely beautiful, amazing craftsmanship!
What a good story teller.
Great story Scott
I've worked numerous different jobs. And yes I've done some questionable things to get jobs done. But only in the last few years I've come to the realization that hey if the boss won't do the job himself then why should I put myself in harms way to make him look good for the clients.
What you said in the end I was thinking throughout the video. I take precautions most of the time. However I may or may not make it to your age, but don't want to without some cool stories.
One day I had to haul a 90 foor beam down a mountain road in Jackson wy that was restricted to 40 foot vehicles. But that picture was definitely worth it.
Yes we all did the same thing. Part lack of knowledge, or experience and part I cannot afford to lose my job.
I thought about this for a minute and all my danger jobs happened while working for someone else. Cheers 🇨🇦
Respect to you Sir. I completely understand this going above and beyond. If we believe, anything is possible.
Good video! All of my close calls at work came from not wearing proper safety gear. I sprayed a basement with oil based paint and a dust mask. I ended up in the emergency room. I wear safety gear at age forty one because of all the trial and error I went through in my twenties and thirties. So when they say wear safety gear, it’s for a reason!
We are a product of our experiences. What a great video! A Man doesn’t know what he is capable of unless you know what you’re capable of. You are 100% correct on It’s good to bite off more than you can chew on occasion.
love the story and how it came about, I'm sure that you have more that you can tell us, Please do. You are also very good at telling how it was all done.
Quite the story--sounds like a dicey tunnel to try to do any work in--glad you were able to persevere through it!
Just saying people like this guy are the ones that make life better and build society ‼️🔥🧨💪
100%. When I look back at some of the big chimneys I worked on in my late teens, early 20s, without proper access equipment, i.e. if it was just a 'quick job' to pop a pot on or a little repointing, it makes my heart race.
And for what I say now? To make the bill cheap for the owner?
Crazy stuff I'd never think about doing now. But young people, (me included) thought that we were bulletproof, with zero sense of our own mortality. Death was for old people.
Thank you for sharing Scott while you were sharing your story it brought back memories of jobs that I did that when I was doing them, I would say to myself "I could die what am I doing?" Fortunately I'm still alive at 65 years of age taking these chances. Now that I'm older I'm a lot more cautious. I really look forward to watching all your videos.
You made me reach for my invisible beer. Listening to your stories. Top tradie.
Been there done that and probably shouldn't have. As Mike Rowe says safety 3rd.
Great story Scott
Well said
As I reflect back 82 years in a variety of careers where mistakes could be fatal.
Some of us have the explorer gene "
Not right or wrong just IS
If you’ll allow me some follow ups:
1) Was it _actually_ good money? For the scope of the project, regardless of what type of approach might be taken to complete it, would you say today that the compensation was proportionate to the skill effort required?
2) At what point does a job seem so singularly and uniquely weird, unpredictable, and probably dangerous that you ask a client, “uh, consider calling a construction engineer for a consultation, because the only solution I can come up with is to shuttle hundreds of cubic yards of crushed stone via a series of roughly half a dozen electric conveyors Rube Goldberg’d together. I’ll be there at the end- catching all the rocks in a shovel, and heaving them over my shoulder until it’s done. That is my professional recommendation.”
Thank you! Love your videos all these years now.
That was a great story! Thanks for sharing
You’ve helped build this country. Thks. 🇺🇸💥👊💥😎
Dang, this beautifully articulated anecdote heavily resonates with me. I appreciate your videos sir.
I think part of the moral is that jobs need done. Yes they’re dangerous, yes they’re hard, but it needs done. There’s a certain level of safety that needs to be observed, but sometimes, it boils down to-we(or I) gotta get this done
This story reminds me of my Dad and why he was such a great example of what it means to be a man. He was as close as you can get (in my experience) to "If".
Scott is such a great storyteller. God willing someday ill be a grandpa telling the kiddos about how i risked life and limb fixing trucks on the side of the road. 😅😅
I’m happy to see the 101 shop stool talks again with Scott.
The most dangerous stories I’ve ever heard while being on a construction site is when guys cited to have worked on dams. I’m glad you survived. But guys out there do sacrifice themselves unnecessarily. The macho, glory hound stuff is a weakness. Not a strength. And it bleeds into other industries.
Exellent testimony my friend!! Well said!!
Legend story teller. One of the best. Love it!
Thanks for sharing this. Lots of good lessons here
I’m from the UK, so none of my business really, but this is the kind of guy you should have as President.
I once built through a wall to make a doorway, the wall which was triple wythed brick into what was a boiler room, black on the inside of it, two floor above of wall, I didn’t know what to expect with that one, but i pushed on through. It’s the uncertainty of what is above, that you have to make calculated risks in the removal, and keep a clear path of clearance, something exactly like logging. Bracing. Scaffolding. Staging. Tools. Methodology. Materials, getting the most out of them. Overall approach. Whenever you are working with objects and things vastly heavier than man, which is almost always the case in construction, you got to consider things carefully. Conveyor belts could be useful in bricklaying, with a machine at the other end. Until then, I’ll lay them by hand. Have a good day.
I really enjoy makes my day😊
The sacrifice we make to feed and support our families. I deliver professional appliances in Chicago. Sometimes there is no elevator no access for a crane, and it’s just balls to the wall, lifting, pushing,pulling, up 3 , 4, flights of stairs.
Merry Christmas Scott and extended family. Yes our ego's tend to write cheques our physiques and wits can't afford to cash, sometimes when we think we are ten foot tall and bullet proof.
A pretty good example to illustrate SAFETY third!
I watched a guy go blind from chemicals in front of "macho guys" who thought it was nothing. Don't discount safety ever. People literally went about shuffling paperwork and doing nothing while this guys eyes bulged pure white...no pupils. It was horrific. I was the only one to engage the situation and get our delivery driver to get this guy to a hospital asap with the chemical info. The company got sued....of course. Later the delivery driver told me what the conversation was like on the way to the hospital. That was horrific to hear. I also learned later that probably keeping his eyes under flushing water would have been more beneficial while waiting for an ambulance than being in a delivery van with a few wet rags to soak his eyes.... So by taking action I scared the delivery driver and possibly made this man's condition worse....I'll never know. I do know that no one else....not even the shop foreman did anything but make things worse by ignoring the urgency. I've written this comment almost 5 times to leave out so many details. There's too many shocking things to tell. Just use your head...get some safety training ANYTIME they offer it and if your career mentor is the "glory seeker" type.....you are probably in some level of danger. Find the old dude that's seen some shit and speak to him. This video comment ate my entire evening...and I've been in tears a few times and this happened more than 25 years ago. You don't want to be hurt or let others be hurt. Macho guys are pussies....I learned that also. Take care and be well.
over the years I still find myself climbing and setting up plank configurations that have only two outcomes if you lose your footing. Severe injury or death.
Like your spiders and other clear and present dangers I block them out and get my job done. I'm 58 now and see no end in sight for this. Retirement isn't something that is going to happen due to the fact that if I don't work I don't eat.
The good news is their is work if you're chock full of experience and have tools to get things done.
The most dangerous tool? The one you are currently using.
It is vitally important for young people, men and women, to DO HARD THINGS and to suffer some in the doing so that they know they can! The reward is self confidence!
A lot of people blow off safety rules (every one of which is written in blood), and as a retired med school prof of surgery and avid woodworker, I've seen a variety of injuries. I'll tell you that there are no safe machines or work tasks. There are only mindful operators who don't clown around and are willing to learn good work techniques and habits.
It's a good idea to listen to that little voice inside your head. If something seems dangerous then it is, because you don't know what you're doing, or you're tired, or it is truly dangerous. Stop and ask for advice - it's not shameful. Stop and think if there's a different way to get the job done. Always have someone around to rescue you up if a bad thing happens. Finally, a good friend (a highpower electrician) once told me these wise words: "Never be afraid to ask if someone is ok."
Not too long ago, I was asked to lie on my back on a wet floor underneath some equipment. A bottling machine to be exact. At least a hundred terminations needed to be made. The issue was that some of those circuits were energized. No one knew which were hot and which were not. I looked at my boss with as serious a look as possible. I told him flat out ,NO. I was more than willing to do the job if the circuits were de-energized. They would not shut down the line. Apparently, a man's life is not worth the cost of a carbonated beverage.