“Can you take a call” Sue asked with the phone in her hand – “he really wants to speak with you.”

I felt my mind race with possibilities – the next few minutes brought me to my knees.

“I am sorry to bother you, but you need to hear this — I have been attending your classes now for over six years. Last year I listened to something you have said repeatedly during your silica talk about occupational doctors …. so I listened this time — I am sick.” Covid, I asked, “I wish” came shaking from Rick.

My heart began to race as he went on to explain his journey. Early  50’s. Your voice sounds pretty strong as I was reaching to say something positive. “I feel fortunate he went on saying, many in the hospital were much worse.”

Despite his hell, we talked about what we try to do here at LS. How he pressed me to keep it going because he wouldn’t have figured it out so early as his prognosis looks like he will have a couple of good years before the inevitable downhill race to hell.

Our last sentence was when he said “so when’s your next CSL renewal class? – I still have to work while I can”… and off he goes to pour another floor.

That’s what we do as contractors, one foot in front of the other. Can you hear Sonny and Cher “and the beat goes on”.  If you have to look up who they are —- you suck for being so young.

A few years ago, a contractor sent me this after a lead paint class that I kept for the right time. I think this is the time – please read this all of you who work in the field as this was written for you:

THE LION’S BLOOD

When my father came home from work

In his underwear…..

With his clothes in his hand…..

And put them directly into

The washing machine

Before speaking to any on us…..

I knew,

That on this day,

He had faced the lion

And had to wash off

The lion’s

Blood.

Edward Wanamaker

1/1/2009

I know we weren’t taught about this when we began. I know we better learn fast. I hope and pray you listen before you make a call to me. My knees are getting old.

Peter

 

FALL CLASSES …..“and the beat goes on”.

Concerned about COVID-19 and going to a live class?

All of our classes have extra measures to protect you. Safety is a lot like Covid – neither waits its always here. To see the extra steps being taken by LS and your participation in this, please click here.

We are back to offering Lead Paint Classes (RRP/LSR) LIVE throughout New England – with just a few twists. For information on these please click here.

Our CEU classes for CSL Renewal are offered in any manner you wish. Recorded (online), Virtual (ZOOM Class) and LIVE. Click here for information on these options and schedule.

NEW SAFETY COURSES (all LIVE, in person classes)

Fall Protection Course – a full day course training (or reviewing if you are an older salt) the options and rules of Subpart M. Hands on set ups are part of this day = why? Because that’s really how contractors learn best. Click here for more information and schedules.

Supported Scaffold Systems – also a full day course training the rules of Subpart L with extra attention paid to the systems most commonly used by folks in New England. Solid hands training that will give even the most seasoned vet a few things to take back to the site. Click here for more information and schedules.

OSHA 10 – Construction – The most requested course every year. Our presentations are focused to real life implementations. Due to difficulty with scheduling we offer this class only a few times a year. Take advantage now. Click here for more information and schedules.

Take advantage of the upcoming holidays and book a class today. Or simply make the commitment to get it done…. We both know how long you have put this off.