Safety First

When I was in the Marine Corps, the most stated phrase was “Safety is Paramount.” The word paramount means more important than anything else. This meant in everything we did, safety first was and is, above all else.

A lot of people choose not to consider this basic quality, safety first, in their momentary activities for whatever reason. That does not means safety is not important or should not be considered. Complacency, pride and neglect may be factors in one’s choice not to exercise safety precautions. There have been plenty of times when I, too, neglected safety precautions. Usually that neglect stemmed from having done an action so many times and never having experienced and adverse affect.

There was one instance when exercising safety precautions solidified my permanent instinct to always consider safety first. I had just purchased an upgraded and better table saw. I was excited and anxious to plug it in and put a few boards through the blade. I put on my safety glasses, grabbed a short length of scrap pine wood, turned on the machine and began making the cut. As I did the blade began passing through a knot in the wood, exploding the knot, and sending shrapnel across my face. A line of knotty material left a few small abrasions across my face from my cheek to my forehead.

When I safely finished the process and removed my safety glasses in front of a mirror, I noticed that line had left a light silhouette around the area that was protected by my safety glasses skipping through the path of my eye. Even since then, I always remember to put on my personal protective equipment. As a result I still have both of my eyes and all ten of my fingers.

It amazes me how unusual things can be when it comes to safety. Dust fall from above, items can swing in different dierections despite a perceived and usual certain path. I mean, would I ever think the end of my tape measure would hit me in the eye? No, but it did. You just never know.

So it goes, every chance I get, to always where something to protect the things I only have a few of and can never again have once they become damaged.

You and I, we are not badasses to the extent of invincibility and we are not sissies because we choose to protect ourselves from potential destruction.

Good Day!