| I know many like to skip over
recommendations and directions, but common sense
should rank high in importance. Without common
sense you're likely to have problems or may run into
situations that can have an effect on your personal
well being. Thinking back on the job accidents I had
over the years (not many) two items come to mind
that were a result of no common sense.
Too Tired: If
you're too tired to do the work, think of less
demanding parts of the job you can do until more
pressing parts requiring more concentration. I too
sometimes get impatient after picking up a new power
tool for example. I want to fire her up right away.
Have some painting to do? My recommendation; do that
work until you feel refreshed or more alert.
Angry or Upset: I'm
sure there are other emotions that can be included
on this page. Emotions can cloud judgment and
concentration lost; errors and mistakes happen.
Distractions: Kids are
not a safe place where power tools are being used.
It's also wise to stay organized. This not only
includes the cutting area, but hand tools you may be
using for the installation. Far too many times
floors get damaged before they're done from tripping
or stepping on scattered tools. Prefinished flooring
comes in cardboard boxes (remove staples if
present). Use cardnoard or carpet scraps (fluffy
side down) to place hand tools on.
Hungover: Yes, I'll admit I did
drink quite a bit until I gave it up in 2002. Two
accidents were a direct result of this and far too
many close calls! Being hungover does not work! Once
I practically sliced my thumb off changing a sharp
floor scraper blade. A few times I could have fallen
on the table saw blade head first while it was
running. And that tricky chop saw. I can't count the
number of times I felt a breeze on the end of my
fingers tips when being hairs away from a spinning
saw blade.
Drinking & Work: This is something
I never did, though I remember many in the flooring
business that did and still do.
Hard to pin point, but the sub contracting business
in general seems to bring out or shape the substance
abusers. Being an independent that does not work a
standard 9 to 5 job may has something to do with it.
Another reason could be the boss is never around.
Installers/subcontractors work by their own schedule
though people who contract them prefer they make
some kind of consistent daily work appearances.
Generally if they do great work, the problems are
rarely addressed.
Being an alcoholic, I found the business right up my
alley. I was not a full blown one mind you, and
worked a regular 7-8 hour workday. I would
often be the first on the job trying to get my mind
together, finding something to do while working the
booze (sweating) from my system. Besides it was
easier to deal with others when they showed up
later. Hard to describe, but I felt more at ease
once I was into the work, rather than showing up
when everyone else did. I was not into the early
morning greeting chit chat because I was always
hung-over.
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