One thing that never fails in this industry is the occurances of avoidable accidents.  Ironically, the vast majority of these accidents come from experienced professionals.  This is usually a result of the individual getting a little too “comfortable” with the tools, and not respecting the power that they hold.  Trying to make a deadline and stay on schedule, or trying to wrap up a job can breed impatience, and that results in accidents.   As a plumber, one of the most common tools that we use is the right angle drill, or hole hawg.  This is used mainly on new construction or remodel jobs to make the holes in the floor, joists, studs or ceilings for the pipes to go through. 

Milwaukee right angle drill-hole hawg

This tool harnesses a lot of power, and will go threw almost anything.  Unfortunately for the poor unsuspecting newbie, they are not aware of this power.  I have witnessed many  young men thrown from ladders because they did not utilize a very simple concept, leverage.  I have also witnessed experienced coworkers fall victim to a major hand smashing or finger pinching.  

Whether we are seasoned professionals or weekend DIY’ers, we all need to slow down a bit, and remember to be safe.  I have seen far too many carpenters working with an odd number of digits.   Personally, I am not a big fan of the med center.  They never have good magazines and they always seem annoyed that you are there. 

Below is an example of what not to do with an angle grinder. 

This is a collection of mishaps from the show Home Improvement.  The reason this clip is funny to me is because I have witnessed most of these actually happen in the real world. 

The next time you are trying to tackle a project, take the time to be safe.  The last time I checked, our fingers don’t grow back and that fake terminator eye thing is not real. 

Good Luck!