robin_lee•29d agoOG Member

Warning: I used to skip the respirator during clean-up, but a cough fit changed my mind

Honestly, I thought the dust from the shakeout was no big deal and the respirator was just extra gear. Tbh, after I got a nasty cough that lasted days, my foreman showed me how much fine silica was in the air. Ngl, now I wear it every time, and my lungs feel way better. It's a simple thing that really helps in the long run.

3 comments

3 Comments

the_david29d ago

Seeing that cough hit you must have been rough. It's wild how much unseen stuff we breathe in on the job. That fine silica can really mess up your lungs over time, not just cause a short cough. Once you know the risk, skipping the respirator feels reckless. Sticking with it now is the best move for your health. Lots of us learn the hard way, but better late than never.

nina_jenkins29d ago

Three days of coughing made me a believer in respirators too.

jason_murphy2727d ago

Honestly a little cough never hurt anybody. People used to work in way worse conditions without all this gear. Sometimes the hassle just isn't worth the minor risk.