PORTLAND, OR—In the thrilling yet terrifying world of concrete sawing, experts have one critical piece of advice: always prioritize safety—especially when you're tempted to test the saw's "annoying coworker removal feature."
This stern warning comes after a viral incident involving a runaway circular saw blade that spun off course during sidewalk cutting and nearly turned a nearby convenience store into a set from Final Destination. While no injuries occurred, the event served as a wake-up call about the power of concrete saws and, apparently, the limits of workplace tolerance.
"Look, sawing concrete is dangerous enough without Gary whining about his fantasy football team or how he could 'totally cut straighter,'" said David Ohashi, safety engineer and self-proclaimed advocate for not sawing humans. “But using your equipment responsibly keeps everyone alive—even Gary.”
Saw Safety: Best Practices (and Gary Protection)
Pre-Use Inspection: Before operating a saw, check for damage or loose parts. Remember, an unchecked blade can turn into a flying death Frisbee faster than you can yell, "Duck!"
Stable Positioning: Always work from a balanced stance beside the saw, not behind it. A sudden kickback is more than enough to ruin your day (or someone else’s).
Proper PPE: Concrete saws can throw debris faster than Gary throws tantrums, so don’t skimp on goggles, gloves, and ear protection. As Ohashi jokes, "If you're not wearing gear, you might as well give the saw a hug."
Concrete Safety: Keep the Peace, Not the Pieces
Experts also emphasize that the saw's purpose is for cutting concrete—not settling workplace disputes. "We've all been there," said Ohashi. "Gary critiques your cutting technique, and you think, 'This saw could make that problem disappear.' But trust me, that’s not what OSHA had in mind."
Concrete Safety: Avoiding Dusty Drama
For those who want to avoid post-saw confrontation, using water to reduce silica dust is key. Not only does it protect your lungs, but it also minimizes Gary’s complaints about "the air being too spicy."
In conclusion, a concrete saw is a tool of precision and power—not a conflict-resolution device. So next time you're tempted to let the blade do the talking, just take a deep breath (through an N95 mask, of course) and walk away. Gary will thank you. Probably.
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