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Vulnerability...

Steve Maskery

Steve Maskery

Old Oak
Joined
Jul 27, 2014
Messages
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Location
87290 Laplagne, France
I can't find my chainsaw. I last remember using it last summer, but today it wasn't where I expected it to be, so I started to rummage. I looked everywhere (well obvs not everywhere or else I would have found it, wouldn't I?). In one of the barns I have a metal storage cabinet. I wondered if it might be in there, but there were several sheets of plywood, MDF and a piece of plasterboard leaning against it, plus a tall cabinet waiting to be refurbished, standing in front of it. I tried to ease the boards forwards a bit so that I could peek behind, and then the whole lot fell on top of me. I landed on my right side against the lawn mower and then onto the concrete floor on my back. The boards and cabinet were on top of me and everything hurt. I thought I'd broken my thigh.
I shouted and shouted, but S is a bit deaf and anyway, we were 50m apart and in two different buildings. I shouted until I couldn't shout any more. I had my phone but there was no signal, not phone nor wifi.
I don't know how long I lay there, it seemed like hours, but I guess it was no more than 20 mins or so. Eventually I was able to get onto my left side, onto my knees and upright.
I have a gash in my right thigh and a bruised right hand that will look like a prize-fighter's tomorrow.
I've settled down somewhat know, but it really shook me up, especially when it first happened and I realised I couldn't move.
Does anyone have any good ideas about staying safe on your own? Preferably not technology-dependent.
S
 
I try to watch every step I take these days, especially walking up to to and in the workshop, because a fall is the last thing someone my age wants. Fortunately, so long as I carry my phone, I can call or message my wife in the house, who happens to be much less mobile than I am.

Maybe walkie-talkies in you situation, Steve.
 
SAM_8261.JPG

A good dog is the answer! (of course, I'm biased)
Hope you'll be out in sawing form soon Steve.

All the best
Tom
 
It sounds easy but prevention is better than cure, a better risk assessment for everything you do may have prevented the mishap. Glad you were not seriously hurt.
Mrs P has banned me from ever using the chainsaw if there is nobody else around.
No easy solution if you’ve no phone signal for summoning help unless you want to carry a panic button but that would need wifi to work .
 
Glad to see you being able to post about it Steve.
Perhaps a good load whistle to attract attention and not to be blown until needed as part of an agreed arrangement with anybody near enough to hear it ?
Cheers, Andy
 
Bloody hell, Steve. What a nightmare. Glad you're OK-ish. You mnight wake up a bit stiff and sore tomorrow.

I'd suggest one of those pendant or bracelet alarms. They'll make it work.......don't worry about WiFi etc.
 
TomTrees said:
A good dog is the answer! (of course, I'm biased)
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Well S wouldn't need to be asked twice. She used o have a Border Collie (a bit energetic for us at this time of life, I fear - she is even more ancient than I am). I've never had a dog and can see all sorts of downsides, but I'm not actually agin.
 
You tell them the problem, Steve, and they'll tell you the solution. This is every-day stuff for them......and I couldn't begin to second-guess them. I've relatives who have an alarm without having any WiFi coinnection at all, and without a mobile. No idea how it works.....but it does.
 
Actually I've had an idea.
I have a RC controlled doorbell. Push-button outside, receiver inside, operating an old-fashioned jingly jangly bell. It's not set up at the moment because of the reno work, but I wonder if the signal would reach from the workshop? I'll have to investigate.
S
 
Glad you got out Steve and it wasn't any worse, these things are lessons for us all, I avoid leaves since my slip up.
We are all human and vulnerable so watch out chaps.

Pete
 
Steve, that is truly awful and I am very glad you are ok.

If your partner is a bit hard of hearing, maybe an attack alarm siren that is sold for vulnerable women might help.

I'm not elderly, but I do tend to be super careful when I am doing potentially hazardous stuff and try to have someone nearby. Accident prone Adrian is a good name for me. Sounds like it might be for you too!
 
AJB Temple said:
Steve, that is truly awful and I am very glad you are ok.

If your partner is a bit hard of hearing, maybe an attack alarm siren that is sold for vulnerable women might help.

I'm not elderly, but I do tend to be super careful when I am doing potentially hazardous stuff and try to have someone nearby. Accident prone Adrian is a good name for me. Sounds like it might be for you too!
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Well, thank you, but aw, come on! It's been a very long time since I've had any sort of accident in the workshop (although, I agree, it only takes one time...).
The last time was in my previous workshop when I got bitten by my tablesaw - not the blade, but the blade guard. Oh, the irony (not to mention the shame). Fortunately there was an ex-Health and Safety Officer with me at the time (lurker), who sorted me out by taking a great deal of sadistic pleasure in sticking a red-hot needle through my fingernail. Is there a Smiley fo half a smile?
:)
I was glad I wasn't alone.
S
 
AndyP said:
Does that require a bluetooth or wifi connection to a base station Sam?
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I don't remember off-hand Andy; it came as part of a packet of measures installed by, or in agreement with, Social Services Care of the Vulnerable. I'm getting No3 Child married off tomorrow, but I will 'phone The Ancient of Days in a couple of days time and report back.
 
Steve Maskery said:
Well S wouldn't need to be asked twice. She used o have a Border Collie (a bit energetic for us at this time of life, I fear - she is even more ancient than I am). I've never had a dog and can see all sorts of downsides, but I'm not actually agin.
Click to expand...
Not without it's difficulties for sure, (presently typing whilst being hustled) :)
Must dash.
Tom
 
Not good Steve but you were lucky.
Could you sling a wire and have a battery operated bell? Old 12v car, mob scooter, alarm batteries are excellent. or what's the possibllity of a mobile phone booster. We have one connected to the BB router as we can't get a signal in the house without it. A mesh system might extend your wifi to the barns perhaps.
 
Mike G said:
You tell them the problem, Steve, and they'll tell you the solution. This is every-day stuff for them......and I couldn't begin to second-guess them. I've relatives who have an alarm without having any WiFi coinnection at all, and without a mobile. No idea how it works.....but it does.
Click to expand...
I am pretty sure they have their own SIM card and connect via GSM (mobile signal) … certainly the one my aged aunt wears does.
 
Glad you are okay Steve. I think the only way you can have something that detects a fall is if you can extend or boost your mobile or WiFi signal to cover your workshop. A smart watch may then be the solution.

If that’s a non starter I’d adopt the earlier suggestion of a loud whistle kept about my person to attract attention.
 
Blackswanwood said:
I am pretty sure they have their own SIM card and connect via GSM (mobile signal) … certainly the one my aged aunt wears does.
Click to expand...
That's right. Older ones relied on the sort of copper land line that's being phased out in the UK, but anything sold now would use a SIM.

They are generally rented, not sold, so you pay monthly. Some claim to trigger if the wearer falls, even if they can't press the button.

Could all be different in France of course.
 
Wow that must have been.a shock, a lightweight similar thing happened to me and it was partly the shock of it hitting me from behind as it was silent as it toppled.
Glad it’s not worse!
Dogs. Like you I’ve never had one but I’m in a big doggy family now and I must say I like it. Always so pleased to see you, really affectionate and loyal, but certainly not all are bright enough to go to get help instead of licking your face off as you can’t move!
Also you’re scuppered if you didn’t leave the door open.
 
Glad you're OK Steve.

A remote doorbell could be an option. You can buy very cheap remote controls for relays. They're for things like opening garage doors. It should be quite straightforward to use one of those to operate a bell.

Just make sure you only use it for emergencies. If you start using it to request cups of tea in the workshop then I fear you'll end up like the boy who cried wolf!
 
I am pleased it was not too serious. A more expensive solution is a smart watch. They monitor your health, heart etc. they have a walkie talkie option so Mrs S can call you and vice versa. They also will call emergency services if you fall or have an accident
 
Glad you're OK Steve! I've often wondered what would happen if I had a nasty accident in the 'shop 'cos there's nobody around anywhere during the week as SWIMBO is at work. The 'shop is pretty well insulated and sound deadened so even if I yelled it's doubtful that anyone would hear. The only thing I've got is the iPhone so I guess, if I could manage it, a 999 call would seem to be the best option - Rob

Edit - SWIMBO has 'mentioned' that in no circumstances can I ever use or own a chain saw
 
Except, as I mentioned earlier, we have no mobile signal here. I have a bit of Internet access to the workshop. I installed a bridge from the house. It should be much better than it is, but I don't know enough about it to get it optimizer.
But all our walls are stone and 18" thick and they are very good at killing the signal. Plus, I was in a barn that is as far away from the workshop as the workshop is from the house.
S
 
That's the galling part, I have not yet found the chainsaw, or the charger. Just one of two batteries. And at present, when it's dead, it's dead.
I last remember using it last summer to remove a poisonous bush, The chain got knackered in the gravel during the process. I bought a file and sharpened the chain and after that, I don't remember where I put it. There are only so many options, and as far as I can tell, I've looked everywhere. If someone has taken it, the q remains Why?, and more importantly, why didn't they take other stuff that is rather more valuable? I don't think that is very likely.
S
 
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On thr odd occasion that's happened top me it's been because I've loaned something out and it hasn't been returned. i refuse to lend to anyone now. I still haven't got my wood splitting axe back and frustratingly can't remember who borrowed it.

I recon Rob (Woodbloke) has your chainsw in his shed well hidden from his wife. She said not use or own but nothing about borrow and admire. ;)
 
Lons said:
I recon Rob (Woodbloke) has your chainsw in his shed well hidden from his wife. She said not use or own but nothing about borrow and admire. ;)
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Not me this time; I'm afeard these little chaps have got hold of it :ROFLMAO: - Rob

Edit - Andy P, did you ever find your chamois leather?
 
Jeez Rob that was 13 years ago!! If it did ever reappear it would have been lost another half dozen times since then.
 
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