Page 160 - Urban Construction Project Management

Safety 115
Exhibit 5-35
Hard hat sign.

THE SAFETY POEM

All trades people should read the poem (Exhibit 5-36) that was written by an
unknown worker from a Boston construction firm. This poem exemplifies the need

Safety Poem Exhibit 5-36
I Chose to Look the Other Way Safety poem.
I could have saved a life that day,
But I chose to look the other way.
It wasn’t that I didn’t care,
I had the time, and I was there.
But I didn’t want to seem a fool,
Or argue over a Safety Rule.
I knew he had done the job before,
If I called it wrong, he might get sore.
The chances didn’t seem that bad,
I’ve done the same, he knew I had.
So I shook my head and walked on by,
He knew the risks as well as I.
He took the chance, I closed an eye,
And with that act, I let him die.
I could have saved a life that day,
But I chose to look the other way.
Now every time I see his wife,
I’ll know I should have saved his life.
That guilt is something I must bear.
But it isn’t something you need share.
If you see a risk that others take,
That puts their Health or Life at stake,
The question asked or thing you say,
Could help them live another day.
If you see a risk and walk away,
Then hope you never have to say,
I could have saved a Life that day,
But I chose to look the other way.
Author Unknown