In The Blink Of An Eye

Mike(VA)

When one looks to analyze the events and circumstances that comprise an ‘accident’ on a construction site, we can see that there are three main elements. Commitment, follow-through, and event. Let’s look at each so we can understand that an accident happens in the blink of an eye.

COMMITMENT. In the instant an accident happens, a commitment has already been made. This may be in the form of continuing along a given path, (moving from one area to another or starting to step into a hole), setting up an action that instigates the event, (placing a piece of wood in the saw or cutting through the last stud on a bearing wall), or a single action that precedes the accident (leaving the circular saw on top of the ladder). The action, in itself, is of no significant consequence as it is an action that happens every day, for a variety of reasons, and by different people. The majority of time the commitment itself does not cause an accident rather it is a contributing factor if there is follow-through and event.

FOLLOW-THROUGH. In the instant an accident happens, follow-through has already commenced. From our examples above, continuing along a given path turns into follow-through when the point of no return has been reached. Follow-through by stepping into the hole is reached as soon as the foot is below the upper level of the hole. When setting up an action that instigates the event, follow-through is achieved as soon as the saw blade touches the wood. Any single action preceding the event evolves into follow-through when someone intercedes such as bumping the ladder with the saw on top.

THE EVENT. In the instant an accident happens, the event has already started. Stepping into the hole becomes an event since an action has commenced that has a predetermined outcome. No action by the individual can change the outcome since the outcome is a result of the action of the individual. When the blade contacts the wood, the event happens as soon as loose grip has been realized and again, the outcome is predetermined. As the ladder is bumped, the event is the saw falling on the framer eating lunch at the base of the ladder.

While one may argue that any interceding action could prevent the accident, the fact is that such an action changes the accident. It is no longer an accident. Most accidents happen so fast that compensatory actions cannot be taken quickly enough. Instantly the finger is cut or the saw is falling. While the entire episode may stretch out for a specific amount of time, the actual accident took place in an instant and only when commitment turns to follow-through and progressed to an event. These three elements all happen at exactly the same instant. Anything else is not an accident.

My purpose in writing this is to remind everyone, myself included, that this slowdown will end at some point. Many of us have been idle for a while and our 6th sense that protects us during periods of heavy workload and consistent attention to detail may have diminished to a point that makes it far less useful. Remember, when we return to work, we all want to come home everyday in the same shape in which we left. All that could change ‘in the blink of an eye’ if we are not careful.

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I EXPECT THAT SOMEDAY I WILL SEE THE FRUITS OF MY LABOR. IS IT SOMEDAY YET?
Clifton, Great Falls, McLean, Fairfax Station, Manassas, Virginia Renovation Contractor

mdshunk

Uhhh... okay.

Mike(VA)

Not trying to be a schoolmarm or anything. I think every one of us has had a close call in which, looking back, we realize how close really did come. My point was that there are several components to an accident and all come together in an instant.

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__________________________________________________ ___________
I EXPECT THAT SOMEDAY I WILL SEE THE FRUITS OF MY LABOR. IS IT SOMEDAY YET?
Clifton, Great Falls, McLean, Fairfax Station, Manassas, Virginia Renovation Contractor

tinner666

Blink!

http://www.poulansucks.com/

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Frank Slate Roof Repairs, Richmond, Va.

480sparky

I must take a very long time to blink my eyes.

When I see an accident coming, I always have time to think out loud.... "Damn..... This is gonna hurt like hell!"

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Site : the area or exact plot of ground on which anything is, has been, or is to be located.
Sight : The power or faculty of seeing; perception of objects by use of the eyes; vision.
Cite : To mention in support, proof, or confirmation; refer to as an example.

mdshunk

I'm not sure this blink stuff is all that accurate.

A blink is 300-400 milliseconds, on average.
An arc-flash is pretty much at the speed of light. My eyeballs will be cooked before I can even blink.

480sparky

Who said anything about an arc flash?

Yes, those who have experienced them have one thing in common.... "I had to watch the whole thing because I didn't have time to close my eyes".

But I'm referring to the work-a-day world of typical accidents.... falling off ladders, tripping, lopping off digits.....

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Site : the area or exact plot of ground on which anything is, has been, or is to be located.
Sight : The power or faculty of seeing; perception of objects by use of the eyes; vision.
Cite : To mention in support, proof, or confirmation; refer to as an example.

mdshunk

Me !