"Stupid is as Stupid does.", F. Gump

[Louie_Hampton]

\"Stupid is as Stupid does.\", F. Gump

It seems that Bubba Gump has given up the Shrimp business and is working the ground in Dallas.

One of our guys was closing the feed table on one of our Altec drum chippers. He caught and smashed his finger in the process. His foreman notices something is wrong because suddenly Bubba Gump has taken to wearing gloves. Bubba Gump NEVER wears gloves. Turns out the little finger on his left hand is about the size of his thumb. He's not worried 'cause it doesn't hurt, in fact it's kind of numb. Bubba tells his foreman that the injury occured over a week ago, but he didn't want to say anything because it was such a minor injury!!
We send Bubba to the doctor, the finger isn't smashed, its broken, has a nice hot infection going and Bubba is diabetic.

That was three weeks ago. The infection continues in spite of the masses of antibiotics prescribed to Bubba. We hope he gets to keep his finger.

This guy is some sixty-plus years old. He is the best ground man we have and a heck of a climber. It kills me that he let this go so long before getting treatment.

I don't care if it is only a minor scrape or ding, treat it like it might fall off so the Dr. won't have to cut it off. And don't roll the dice with infection if your diabetic.

Louie Hampton

 

[Louie_Hampton]

Re: \"Stupid is as Stupid does.\", F. Gump

Follow-up

Bubba is back at work. The antibiotics finally kicked in and the infection cleared up. Bubba still has his fingure.

I don't get the feelig from talking with him that he thinks it was any big deal. I guess we didn't do a good enough job communicating. He has gone to have his Diabetes tested and controlled, so maybe some good has come from the experience. If he failed to follow up with that, it's doubtful he would have been allowed to work with us in the tree division any longer.

It cost him some time off, workers comp pays 80% I'm told, but there is still some incomplete/missing paperwork somewhere so he is still owed approx. five days pay. Medical expenses and leave ran around $2500.00. Plus the hit on our workers comp. We are around 18.3 with workers comp. in the tree division, that was supposed to go down this year if we didn't have any claims. We won't know until June or July what effect this will have. Whatever the final cost is, as this was totally avoidable, it's too much.

Louie Hampton

By the way... Today we lost a climber do to a positive drug test. Cocaine

 

[chad]

Re: \"Stupid is as Stupid does.\", F. Gump

i couldnt agree more. no matter how minor get to the doctor. one of the most common i see is saw dust in the eyes. even with glasses that stuff gets in there. ive been twice for eye injuries. just last month my foreman got some dust in his eyes while bucking a felled tree.
i think we all feel bad when we have to admit the injury and go to the doctor but it is essential because you never know.

 

[Louie_Hampton]

Re: The Saga Continues

I've heard throughout my career (short though it may be) that even the minor injuries should be reported.

I'm just as guilty as most for getting some nasty cuts, scrapes, gouges and such and not reporting them. A lot of this stuff is just part of the job right? I can't be bothered to fill out a three page report for every scrape and ding.

I have to admit, I still am a bit hypocritical on the subject of reporting injuries, at least minor ones. I do at least keep a close eye out for infection, and treat to prevent complications. I guess what I am saying is that I can almost see how something like this might happen. I don't have to like it, and I may not agree with it, but I can understand it.

Today I found out that the company that provides us with our Workers Comp coverage has declined to renew. One incident in 2002 (Bubba's), no reported incidents in 2001 (self-payed a few 'minor' injuries, mostly poison ivy), and one in 2000 (Receptionist sliced herself open with a box cutter, tendon damage/surgery to repair).

We will have coverage, but from another company, and no-doubt at a higher cost.

I guess we just need to remember that what we do effects not only ourselves, but those around us as well.

Louie Hampton

 

[treejac]

Re: The Saga Continues

I can't believe that your company is, or was only paying eighteen percent for workers comp rates. Mine are fifty six and climbing. Must have something to "due" with living in CA.

 

[Mark Chisholm]

Re: The Saga Continues

Wow! Ouch! That stings. Must make it touch to compete against the less-than "by-the-book companies".