While being a mechanic can be a tough job, depending on the situation, some people do not realize the life threatening situation they can get involved in on a simple repair.
With in our company (which i will not name) there has already been 2 deaths as of this year. One is still under investigation, the other was on a roadside repair. The year before there was a double digit death toll. Working in the shop or roadside is very dangerous, even more so when you are dealing with semi trucks and trailers.
In shop dangers are less than roadside, but the dangers include lift failure, accidental start-ups/ drive-offs, incorrect way to break down certain jobs (air-ride, wheels, electrical, suspension, etc.) Sometimes it can be doubled depending on the condition of the
equitment you are working on.
Roadside is where you have to make sure your work area is safe and be aware of traffic, road conditions, and weather. Working on the side of the road has claimed more than a few lifes, some where caused by traffic, drivers of cars who failed to move over and slow down, drivers asleep at the wheel and drivers not able to control thier vehicles in bad weather. Also, the same risks that are present at the shop can also be a contributing factor. If you drive on the intersate and see flashing yellow lights, safety cones, and giant work signs, please be curtious and slow down and move over, I have been in many scary situations where cars and trucks have almost hit me... I know the rushes of everyday life but ignoring the safety of others could have a great impact on yours if you hit a worker.
For all the fathers, sons, cousins, uncles, brothers, sisters, mothers, aunts, and friends who did not get to clock out of work and go home, may thier familys and friends find peace. We all must do our part, be aware and care!
