Beware of Hazards on the Job

Jody Cameron · Post by **Jody Cameron** » 11 Jun 2006 5:48 am

Not to preach, but it pays to take time and think about safety on the job.

Last night my '71 Emmons original fat back fell from the top of my amp as I was breaking it down and really did a number on my right foot. I always like to elevate my steels when breaking down so I don't have to get on my knees on the floor to reach it.

I was not thinking of safety, rather the more comfortable way of doing things, and it resulted in a black and blue foot, sever pain and a temporary limp!

There are so many ways to hurt yourself loading gear in and out and setting up. My father was an FAA safety counselor, and he drilled safety into my head for many years, but I got complacent and paid for it.

It pays to think things through when setting up and tearing down on the job. I would not want anyone else to experience what happened to me, so please guys...think it through and keep safety in mind when you're out there doing it.

My advice for the day....

JC

Joey Ace · Post by **Joey Ace** » 11 Jun 2006 5:56 am

I always set my case securely on my seat when tearing down or setting up.

I have injured myself falling off a stage. It was a low one, less than a 6" high. I'm careful around high ones.

Safety on the gig is often overlooked. Good topic.

Tommy Alexander · Post by **Tommy Alexander** » 11 Jun 2006 6:09 am

OK JC!, so your (Baby)fell off of the amp and landed on your foot; that's what you get for selling her, now that you got it back, she's letting you know that she got even with you (ha-ha).
Hope the foot is ok, if you need me to help, you can set on my lap and you pick the strings and I'll push the pedals; that's the best that I can do.

------------------

Mike Archer · Post by **Mike Archer** » 11 Jun 2006 7:51 am

that had to hurt
i to can not bend over and set my steel up
due to very bad back
so i use and old keyboard stand and set my case up on it it sturdy and just the right height have some one help lift it up there if you can
it may not be the best way but it works for me

Robert Leaman · Post by **Robert Leaman** » 11 Jun 2006 8:37 am

Now you'll have some time to listen to that 45 RPM record that I sent to you while your foot recuperates. Hope your ptomaine poison clear up quickly. Best wishes.

Jim Bob Sedgwick · Post by **Jim Bob Sedgwick** » 11 Jun 2006 3:14 pm

Since I made a stand for my guitar and sit on a barstool, I carry a Sears Box for foot pedal, chords. I set my case on that to set up or break down my guitar. One night the case and guitar slipped off the box and scraped all the hide off my shin, then struck my foot. I can definitely feel YOUR pain Jody. Sometimes I wish I was a chick singer. They don't have to play anything or even sing in meter to work and make the same money that real musicians who have spent their lives developing their craft have to do. Just keep the makeup fresh. (Disclaimer): I have had the opportunity to play with some great female musicians, usually on piano or fiddle. Flame suit on!!!

A. J. Schobert · Post by **A. J. Schobert** » 11 Jun 2006 7:26 pm

I am sure alot of guys don't want to take the time and be safe and just want to go home or what ever, and your on a mental vacation then,I deal with saftey everyday at work as I have a very dangerous job myself (not playing PSG) so take your time, it sounds like you will make a full recovery. how is your steel? CARTERD10

Bobby Lee · Post by **Bobby Lee** » 11 Jun 2006 8:25 pm

Oh my gosh! Is the guitar okay?

Seriously, Jody, I hope you have a complete recovery. Foot injuries are especially bad for a pedal steel guitarist.

Frank Parish · Post by **Frank Parish** » 12 Jun 2006 3:47 am

I dropped every cymbal I owned on my right big toe when I was 16 years old. I had them on a 2x4 wood rail that was around the bandstand and taking them home to clean and they fell off right on my big toe! I wound up losing that toenail, broke the toe of course and had to limp home from the doctors office becaue I didn't drive or even have a license but I had a 7 night a week gig. I played the drums with my left foot on the bass drum pedal for several weeks and had to rearrange the whole set in order to play. About two years later I was in a hurry running up the steps to go to my gig and broke that same toe on the steps and had to reverse the drumset yet again! I did get to where I could use both feet to play the bass drum and wound up with two bass drums before I switched to steel guitar.

Joey Ace · Post by **Joey Ace** » 12 Jun 2006 5:49 am

"The Agony of de Feet."

Jody Cameron · Post by **Jody Cameron** » 12 Jun 2006 9:16 am

Thanks for the replys guys. The foot is much better today...still a little sore, but thankfully, no broken bones.

b0b - the first thing I did when I got home was set the guitar up and check it out. It is fine. I really was more concerned about it than the foot. Without it, no bacon for breakfast, haha! It partially came out of the case when it hit my foot, but no damage.
I learned a lesson this week!

JC

Ward Skinner · Post by **Ward Skinner** » 12 Jun 2006 9:48 am

Glad to hear you are on the mend with no serious injuries to you or your guitar. I'm sure that won't happen again.

Jody Sanders · Post by **Jody Sanders** » 13 Jun 2006 8:53 am

Hi JC, I still carry my "cut down " restaraunt stand I got from Clyde when he had the music store. Stands about 2 feet off the floor. Works great for setting up and tearing down. I imagine you feel like a one legged man at a rear kicking. Take care and I will see you down the road. JB.

Rick Garrett · Post by **Rick Garrett** » 13 Jun 2006 9:02 am

Glad you're doing better Jody. Congrats on not messing up your guitar too.

Rick

Mark van Allen · Post by **Mark van Allen** » 13 Jun 2006 9:10 am

At least thinking of saftey is great advice.

Years ago I let a bandleader bully me into helping lift a massively heavy roadcase that I knew was just too big... I could actually feel muscle tearing in my back. The next week my back went completely out, Doctors, therapy... and I have trouble with it off and on to this day.

That's one of the few mistakes in my life I would do anything to go back and undo.

Ray Minich · Post by **Ray Minich** » 13 Jun 2006 9:39 am

The reason they conduct nitroglycerine (liquid) thru channels cut into the floor is that it can't fall to the floor if it's already there...