I want to tell you that I found your Viewpoint article on safety, "A Father and Son’s Climbs and Falls," a moving and pertinent story. It's personal nature adds a higher dimension to the importance of safety awareness and proaction. I have sent it to an engineering firm client in Russia for translation and distribution because I believe that safety transcends all cultures and nationalities.
Joseph Grynbaum, P.E.
Principal
Power Generation Consultants
West Hartford, Conn.
I read your article in ENR today. It hit home for me, and I wanted to congratulate you on a well-written piece. I am from just outside of Pittsburgh, graduated from Pennsylvania State University as a civil engineer and have been working in general contracting for 10-plus years. I see so many workers every day who think, “It won’t happen to me.” I’ll be sure to use your article to help reinforce safety to them.
Michael L. Monosky
Director of Construction
Crimson Construction Inc.
Los Angeles
I just read your very moving story in ENR magazine. I work for an underground contractor in Hemet, Calif., and I plan on incorporating this story into Monday’s safety tailgate meeting. I hope others will do so as well. Thank you for sharing your story
Brenda Gooch
Assistant Superintendent
Genesis Construction Inc.
Hemet, Calif.
I was touched by Jonathan Barnes’ article about his dad and the hazards of falling. It doesn’t seem fair that a big strong man like his father should be taken down that way. Why is it that something so simple like climbing a seven-ft ladder can also be so dangerous?
About a month ago, I was visiting a jobsite of one of my members, a framing contractor, and advised him of some very obvious hazards I observed. They included non-use of personal fall-protection systems by several of his people. Two weeks later, one of his guys fell three stories and broke his foot. (He grabbed the structure on the way down, breaking his fall somewhat.)Â
As you are aware, our industry has one of the highest rates of accidents and incidents. You would think all companies and their employees would make safety their No. 1 priority. After nine years of working for Associated General Contractors, I still have a hard time understanding the rational for the lack of basic safety requirements.
Tony Morelli
Manager
AGC Tri-Counties District
Camarillo, Calif.
Great writing and a great point of view. I have made the “cal l”13 times in my life. I never want to do it again. All should be afraid.
Frank Keres
Construction Risk Associates Inc.
Northbrook, Ill.
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