Think about safety- carrying an axe almost cost a life

My son-in-law, Rich, was taking a break from chopping down a tree with an axe. He walked down the slope in the backyard to the house, carrying the axe over his shoulder. One slight problem - he had the sharp side sticking up. He slipped on the grass and fell backwards onto the axe. The cut was 2 1/2 inches long and 1/2 inches deep. When Rich went to the doctor the next day (I know- but he's a man!) because his vision was blurred and he was dizzy, the doctor said he had a concussion. If the axe had cut him two inches over from where it did, he would be dead.

Our first summer working on the road at the Grand Tetons, one of the other maintenance workers was helping the carpenter with a roofing job. Our boss had us do other tasks first because the early-morning frost on the metal roof made it very slippery. Ron started before the sun had dried the roof. He climbed up the ladder, stepped on the slick roof and fell off, landing on his back. He wasn't injured but he could have been seriously hurt. He didn't take the time to check the roof and test how slippery it was before attempting to walk up the slope to where the carpenter was.

Workers on the RV road who worked in a manufacturing or industrial setting undoubtedly had safety drilled into their head with weekly or biweekly safety meetings. Others of us might not be so conscious of things that could injure or kill us.

Carrying tools so the cutting edge or sharp end is pointed down, testing your footing on a potentially slippery surface, wearing eye and ear protection when called for can save you from injury. These apply on the job but also around your RV. An RV roof can be slippery too. Tools you get out for repairs could hurt you if not used properly. Knives used in the kitchen can be dangerous if not used with care.

Be conscious of safety in all your actions, particularly on the job. An injury hurts and takes time away from productive activities. Rich is missing a whole week of work as a result of unconsciously swinging and axe over his shoulder instead of deliberately pointing the sharp side down. He's uncomfortable too. Don't let that happen to you. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

For information on Jaimie's 2nd edition of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, see RVBookstore.com

---

Camp Hosting USA: Your Guide to State Park Volunteering
Learn what you need to know to become a camphost at a state park. Thousands of RVers do it. Here's how to join the crowd -- no matter what state or park you choose. Learn more or order.