Whenever we go over to the job site I’m fanatical about telling the kids to be safe and watch out for nails, broken glass, loose lumber scraps, etc. I’ve also started warning various neighbors as we had quite a number of drop-ins, pop overs, and drive-bys. There’s been a lot of interest in the project and very positive comments from neighbors and other local townsfolk. Which is both super encouraging and a tiny bit terrifying that someone is going to sprain their ankle walking over our VERY uneven ground.

I get the curiosity, but I’m very worried about someone getting hurt because it is a construction site after all. We decided that we could encourage the kids (and me because I’m pretty klutzy) to keep safety at the top of their mind by making a reward available if no one got hurt on the job site. This includes any injury that would require stitches, a trip to the ER or the hospital. This does NOT include injuries at home, school, work or minor bumps, bruises, cuts, or scratches (of which we’ve all had plenty) acquired through the normal course of physical work.

For example this bruise I got moving our trailer after taking brush and branches to the local landscape recycling center.

We decided we’d get the kids in on the reward in the hopes that would further fuel their safety consciousness. We asked them what reward they would like and it was pretty underwhelming (sorry kids). Their ideas were: get Dunkin’ Donuts or an ice cream buffet. As you can see, my children are motivated by sweet treats. My idea was a weekend vacation get away. Just something fun and relaxing. We haven’t picked a place, but when we suggested it to the kids they were keen so as we get closer we’ll narrow down our choices and see what works best for us.

I’m not exactly sure when we’ll declare that we’ve accomplished our safety goal and can redeem our safety award. But probably the most dangerous thing we’ll do is roof the house and that’s coming up (hopefully before it gets too cold, but we were roofing the garage the week of Thanksgiving last year). The roof isn’t too steep, but it’s two stories up and I’m afraid of exposed heights. Thankfully it’s a very simple roof by design because I knew it would be my butt up there doing this work. So I’m not eager to get up on the roof, but I am eager to get it done and be back on the ground where I can trip over my own two feet like I do all the time with less gravity implications.

OSHA isn’t keeping track of our number of safe days on the job, but know that I AM.