January 10, 2012 8:00 AM CST

Be safe out there

For the record

By Jennifer Morrell

Yesterday, I bought a red helium balloon. When I got home, I ceremoniously released the balloon into the sky, accompanied by a prayer. The date was Dec. 19, the 22nd birthday of a young man who, only a few months before, was electrocuted accidentally, while working on the construction site of a hospital. Sean’s mother is a friend of mine from high school, so I — like so many — have felt her pain as she copes with the tremendous loss.

To the first responders, another worker was killed on another job. To the coroner, another young person passed before his prime. To his coworkers, a great guy was taken away too soon. But Sean’s death reaches far beyond the week-long coverage of a local television broadcast or hometown newspaper. Sean was someone’s son, grandson, brother, cousin and friend — all of whom are beyond distraught.

Think about your masons who work to build not only the next beautiful brick, block or stone building, but also your company and its future. Are you protecting your workers by following the appropriate PPE and safety requirements? And, are you protecting yourself?

A careless act on the part of anyone involved with a construction project could lead to a split-second accident. And I am here to tell you, that accident can leave more than an empty position to fill within your crew. These preventable jobsite accidents leave broken families — mothers who will never sleep through the night again, children who will try to remember their fathers’ voices, and wives who will wonder how to move forward.

Be safe out there. Your lives are worth the extra precaution.

Originally published in Masonry magazine.

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About the Author

Jennifer Morrell is the editor of Masonry magazine. She has several years of experience in the publishing industry as a writer and editor, covering such topics as real estate and development, health care, relationships and sports. A graduate of The University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in magazines and is an award-winning columnist.