[Ted T]

Glenn,
I think you have brought up a subject that deserves some contemplation and input. I would sure like to hear some good Ideas about ways to get help when you need it.

I know that safety should come first, but I am talking about after the fact when equipment failure, common senses and safety practices have not been used or have failed!

During the last part of July and the whole month of August I worked on the inside of a building that was fabricated out of steel on two sides and the roof. I was enclosing the ends and building storage wracks for steel and wood.
It was just like working inside of a large tin can that was sitting in the sun. At times the tempters would reach 110 to 116 degrees inside. The higher up I worked nearer the roof area the hotter it got.

Then about three weeks ago while working inside of the tin can, I remember that I felt like I was dying and had to get to the house. The next thing that I could remember was how bad my neck, head and back hurt. I found my self laying out on my back on the rear side walk with my head on the step. I tried to get up but I could not. After some time (minutes) I was able to reach over and pound on the foot of screen door. And shortly after that I was able to get up and go inside my home.

My wife helped my lay down on the bed. I told her I must have passed out because it must be close to lunch time. I told her that I had just looked at my watch and it was 11:30 am.

She said no, that it was 3:30 P.M.! I had lost about 4 hours during the time that I was out in shop or laying on the sidewalk in the heat. I had not drank any water during that time.

I had a heat stroke.

Although I carry a cell phone and have a speaker system inside of one of my shops that is connected to the house, I could not have used either one. The next day when my wife came out to the shop with me, we found what I had been working on. I do not remember building the panel, but it fit perfectly. It just may be that I do better work when I am goofier than normal.

But I realize not all injuries or emergencies are like the one I described. I feel a person should set up more than one way to get help while in the work area.

Another example: An older fellow had been laying 4’ x 8’ ply wood panels on their sides up against the wall. Somehow he got stuck between the wall and the wood stack. That is where they found him, but two late.
I am looking forward to hear some suggestions.

Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted