Workplace Accident - True Story | Serious Injuries, Falls, Safety, OSHA, Near Death, Fatality

Summary

In a gripping account of a workplace accident, Russ recounts the harrowing moments leading up to his fall from 30 feet while power washing. Despite the chaos and pain, he experiences a serene transition before being rescued by a co-worker. Meanwhile, Laurel, his wife, faces the terrifying news of her husband's serious injury, reflecting on the profound impact such accidents have on families. Their story underscores the critical importance of safety in the workplace and the ripple effect of unsafe practices on loved ones.

Takeaways

• 😀 Russ begins his day by saying goodbye to Laurel and checking in on their son, who is asleep.
• 😀 Russ heads to Everett, Washington, for work, arriving early to prepare the rigging for a job despite bad weather.
• 😀 The safety checks are completed by supervisors before Russ and his team begin power washing.
• 😀 Russ suggests an idea to pick up and place a load on the inside of a handrail, which initially seems safe.
• 😀 While executing his plan, something feels off, and Russ is suddenly thrown 30 feet from the handrail, experiencing panic.
• 😀 Russ falls hard, landing on the back of his head, feeling unable to breathe and fearing the worst.
• 😀 In the transition between life and death, Russ experiences a sense of peace and acceptance.
• 😀 Russ is eventually revived by a co-worker who rushes to his side, touches him, and helps get assistance.
• 😀 Laurel receives the news of her husband's accident on a Friday evening, setting off a frantic rush to the hospital.
• 😀 Laurel reflects on the emotional impact of the accident and the difficulty of communicating the news to their son.
• 😀 Laurel expresses that workplace accidents are deeply selfish, as they affect not only the person but everyone around them, especially the family.

Q & A

What routine did Russ follow before heading to work?

Russ woke up, said goodbye to Laurel, checked on their son, and had a cup of coffee before driving to work.

What was the weather like on the day of the accident?

The weather was bad, which added to the challenging conditions at the work site.

What safety measures were taken before starting work?

The supervisors checked all the safety lines and gave the team the okay to start power washing.

What decision did Russ make while working on the handrail?

Russ decided to climb up on the handrail to set a load down, even after his coworker advised against it.

What happened during Russ's fall?

Russ was thrown back about ten feet and fell 30 feet, landing on the back of his head.

How did Russ feel during the moment after the fall?

Initially in panic and lost, Russ experienced a transition to peace and warmth as he struggled to breathe.

Who helped Russ after his fall?

A co-worker ran down three flights of stairs to assist him and went to get help.

What was Laurel's reaction upon receiving the news about the accident?

Laurel felt a mix of fear and despair, fearing she would have to tell their son that his father might not come home.

What does Laurel emphasize about the consequences of workplace accidents?

Laurel highlights that being unsafe is selfish and that accidents deeply affect not just the individual but also their families and communities.

What overarching message about workplace safety can be derived from this narrative?

The narrative underscores the critical importance of prioritizing safety in the workplace to prevent accidents that have devastating impacts on lives.