Shop Truths, Phrases, Tales; and Outright Lies

[Toolmaker51]

C-Bag related a situation and consequence I dread; more than anything that might happen to me personally.

I've not experienced loss of a co-worker by accident; some serious injuries and near misses, not any deaths. Family-wise we've had some. Worst probably, elderly couple gathering holiday decorations from garage rafters via ladder. He fell from top, landing directly on her. He survived a short time, the 'guilt' took him as well.

While in USN, we often did breakdowns of scenarios or actual reports, and one thing was common. Lack of awareness was usually first and experience second, equipment not often tagged as cause - as traceable back to the first two. Navy generally avoids phrase 'accident'. System named 'cause analysis' traces outcome from root, avoidable only until a certain and tangible point.
Carrier flight deck is supposedly one of most dangerous environments, my interpretation was that should be 'potentially'. It is so finely orchestrated, even incidents are minimal. I'd say mining, chemical plants, and certain fires would lead the way for 'potential'; because there is either no where to go, or the rapidity and spread cover available distance too quickly!

I appreciated that approach to safety right off; experience-based logic with acceptable/ manageable risks. DEFINITELY not the OSHA vision based on paranoia and insurance company style probabilities. Strikingly, today did a test reworking incomplete features in a laser cut plate, drilling 7/8" through 1/4" hot rolled. Had it tied down well, standing WTH out of way, envisioning the helix taking hold and peeling it out, yet I'll dance with a 48" lathe without much concern at all. Anyway, proof of concept says a bushing plate is the way to go.

In case it isn't clear; I'll reiterate personal appreciation for all contacts we cultivate here. I see two are present in this thread right now, three members and no guests. Yup, its fun too, coining words, tossing in our 2 cents, and all.
But the measure of sanity derived from a simultaneous front row seat and audience makes a considerable difference in my day!