South DaCola

Construction is a dangerous business

I know, I worked in the early 90’s around Green Lake in Seattle. I helped build homes around some of the steepest hills in a city. It required precision working around existing structures. I remember one day hanging 3 stories in the air applying siding from some make shift harness. At my age (19) I didn’t think I was in danger, It was a family business after all, Uncle Junior and brother and dad throwing cut boards at me to catch.

Thinking back on it today, it was complete insanity, and not within any safety standards, but all in a days work.

Growing up on a farm you think you have seen it all when it comes to safety standards, but construction has it’s casualties. Just ask my brother who is missing part of his thumb from a run away saw and deadlines.

Folks, safety standards, engineering and regulations exist for a reason, so people don’t get injured or killed.

I hope we learn something from what happened in Sioux Falls today. Sometimes doing the right thing isn’t popular and certainly doesn’t make a lot of people money, but it saves lives.

I pray for those affected, because foolishness is no way to go.

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