The Reality of Danger

One of the harshest realities of blue-collar work is that almost everything around you can be a potential threat. You must respect this danger at all times. From heavy machinery to high voltage electricity, the risks are everywhere. The blue collar reality is that if you don’t respect these dangers, they can seriously injure or even kill you.

Real-Life Experiences

Let me share some of my experiences as a journeyman lineman. When I first started, I didn’t fully understand the dangers. I was young, confident, and maybe a little too bold. It wasn’t until I had a near-death experience that I truly grasped the blue collar reality.

• High-Risk Situations: Working on a transmission line, I was in a crane basket, 140 feet up in the air. Suddenly, the crane failed, leaving us hanging with no control. The fear and realization of how quickly things can go wrong hit me hard.

• Electrical Hazards: Another time, I made a second point of contact while working on an energized secondary line. I was shocked, and it was a wake-up call. The blue collar reality is that electricity doesn’t care about you; it can kill you if you don’t respect it.

The Dangers You Might Overlook

It’s not just the obvious dangers like electricity and heavy machinery. The blue collar reality includes many other risks that might not be as apparent:

• Long Hours and Fatigue: Working long hours can make you tired and less alert, increasing the chance of mistakes.
• Weather Conditions: Working in extreme weather can be dangerous, whether it’s freezing cold, scorching heat, or heavy rain.
• Traffic Hazards: When working near roads, traffic can be a huge risk. Drivers might not see you or slow down, leading to accidents.

The Importance of Safety

In the blue-collar world, safety rules are written in blood. They exist because someone made a mistake that led to a serious injury or death. It’s important to follow these rules, not just for your safety but for the safety of everyone around you.

• Respecting the Dangers: The blue collar reality is that you have to respect the dangers of your trade. This means following safety protocols, wearing the right protective gear, and always being aware of your surroundings.
• Learning from Mistakes: Accidents happen when you least expect them. The key is to learn from them and never get too comfortable. Complacency can be deadly in a trade like lineman work.

Conclusion

The blue collar reality is that working in a skilled trade is not for the faint of heart. It’s a job that requires mental toughness, respect for the dangers, and a commitment to safety. The excitement and good pay are real, but so are the risks.

If you’re considering a career in a blue-collar trade, remember that almost everything can kill you if you’re not careful. But if you respect the dangers, follow safety protocols, and stay alert, you can enjoy a long, successful career and go home safe every day.

In the end, it’s about being smart, staying safe, and always respecting the blue collar reality.