Heard a guy say he never uses a respirator and it got me thinking

Overheard some younger guy at the union hall saying he doesn't bother with a respirator on the job because it's "too hot and slows him down." I've been at this for 10 years and I've seen a few older guys down the line with lung issues. Anyone else deal with apprentices or new guys who think they're invincible?

3 comments

3 Comments

amy_coleman2126d ago

Yeah "too hot" is such a lazy excuse. My buddy now wears one after years of coughing all night.

mitchell.lee26d ago

Yeah but "too hot" is a real thing, I sweat buckets with one on and it's a safety hazard if I pass out.

rileyb6125d ago

...and honestly it makes me feel for the guys who came before us, you know? I've been in the trade almost as long as you and I've seen the same thing. A few old timers who thought they were tough now can't even walk up a flight of stairs without stopping to catch their breath. The heat argument is real but there's better gear out there now that helps with that, and slowing down a bit beats not being able to work at all down the road. It's tough watching someone learn that lesson the hard way.