Ric
Active Member
Sorry if you feel I have offended you, but I take offense when people think their situation should be enforced upon everyone. There will always be long work days in this industry. Personal and family life will suffer. We are not paid as much as we think we should be. But it's the career and lifestyle we chose, it's the way it is, so get over it.
Knowing your personal limitations is being safe, whether it's from lack of sleep or lack of education. YOU are responsible for making that decision, not your employer. And if your employer forces you into ANY situation you're not comfortable in (not limited to working hours) you have every right to refuse and face the consequences. However, there will always be someone who can and will do what you refuse so you must be prepared for that.
I was going to leave this thread alone, I'd said my piece, and the points had been missed by some, however I can't let this pass.
THIS is the attitude that we have to change. It is NOT okay to work dangerously. When you are affected by fatigue or alcohol or drugs you LOSE YOUR JUDGEMENT therefore you can no longer make sensible and reponsible decisions. What you'd not consider doing hours earlier becomes 'if I do this I'll get the job done quicker...'. Much like beer goggles and 'that girl (or guy)' at the bar, you will choose things that after you'll shake your head about and say 'why the hell did I do that?'
I am not trying to 'enforce my situation on everybody' but raise real safety concerns. Are you aware driving drunk is dangerous? Then that job is done.
Passive smoking in clubs and restaurants is dangerous as well, at least here that has now been changed so these places are smoke free.
Is the message getting through that long working hours causes fatigue and is dangerous? Not yet.... Until someone gets hurt... or killed.
Stage collapses, seems to be a lot of them over the last few years...hmmm, perhaps someone was really tired and missed tightening something?
In this country your employer IS responsible for your well being in the workplace, and there is a legal body that prosecutes when things go wrong, and prosecutions start at the top and work down. This is making a big difference here; changing employers attitudes.