|
Here follows a tale of an accident report form filed by a bricklayer:
"I put 'poor planning' as the cause of
my accident. You ask for a fuller explanation and I trust the following details will be sufficient. I was working alone on
the roof of a six-story building. When I completed my work I found I had some bricks left over which later were found to weigh
240lbs. Rather than carry the bricks down by hand, I decided to lower them in a barrel by using a pulley. Securing the rope
at ground level, I went up to the roof, swung the barrel out and loaded the bricks into it. Then I went down to the ground
and untied the rope, holding it tightly to insure a slow descent of the 240lbs of bricks. You will note on the accident reporting
form that my weight is 135lbs.
Needless to say i proceeded at a rapid rate up the side of the building. In the vicinity
of the third floor I met the barrel which was proceeding downward at an equally impressive speed. This explains the fractured
skull, minor abrasions, and the broken collarbone. Slowed only slightly, I continued my rapid ascent, not stopping until the
fingers of my right hand were two knuckles deep in to the pulley.
Fortunately I had regained my presence of mind and
was able to hold tightly on to the rope. At approximately the same time, however, the barrel hit the ground and the bottom
fell out of the barrel . Now devoid of the weight of the bricks, the barrel weighed approximately 50lbs. I refer you again
to my weight.
I began a rapid descent. In the vicinity of the third floor, I met the barrel coming up. This accounts
for the two fractured ankles, broken tooth and severe lacerations of my legs and lower body.
Here my luck began to
change slightly. The encounter with the barrel seemed to slow me enough to lessen my injuries when i fell onto the pile of
bricks and fortunately only three vertebrae were cracked.
I am sorry to report, however, as I lay in pain on the pile
of bricks I again lost my composure and presence of mind and let go of the rope and I lay there watching the empty barrel
begin its rapid descent back towards me....."
|
