Construction Worker in New Mexico

A New Mexico construction worker, that went above basic job duties, has been hailed a hero after he saved a toddler from a fire in Albuquerque on Friday, July 12, 2019. According to media reports, Mason Fierro was putting a roof on a building when a fire started at the apartment complex next door.

The construction worker said the crew heard a man screaming for help from a second-story apartment. He was hanging a baby and toddler out the window, trying to get them to safety. The construction crew grabbed ladders to the apartment building to assist in rescuing the occupants who were trapped.

Construction Crew Saves Two Children From Blaze

Mr. Fierro told the man to drop his children off and that he would catch them. He said the man first dropped a little girl from the window who he caught. In a few moments, the man dropped a small boy, who was caught by the construction crew as well.

 The fire at the apartment complex resulted in three people being treated at an area hospital. The two children caught by the construction workers were taken to the hospital by relatives. A third person suffered smoke inhalation. All three are in stable condition and are expected to make a full recovery.

The fire department reported that the apartment building was a total loss. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but the investigation is ongoing. Firefighters arrived on the scene within 5 minutes of receiving the call, but they said they were glad the construction workers acted promptly and saved the children. The firemen credited the construction crew with saving the lives of the baby and the toddler.

Most heavy equipment operators are going to be working outside when they are working. For many, this is exactly why they love what they do because they love being outdoors. But it also means that there’s a good chance they will be exposed to any or all of the not so healthy outdoor surroundings that the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) warns against:

• physical hazards like extreme hot or cold, lightning, sunburn & skin cancer, excessive noise and vibration damaging ears and body
• biological hazards like diseases from insect bites (ie. Lyme disease ), venomous bites and stings, poisonous plants
• other hazards like chemicals or job site contaminants

Hazards for heavy equipment operators are not a reason to quit. They are a reason to be wise. Every job has hazards, right? The thing is to be aware of the potential and be prepared for the reality.

Be aware of the potential hazards on your particular job site. If you know it’s going to be hot, bring enough appropriate drinks to stay hydrated and healthy. That means you can’t be chugging soft drinks all day, but having water and sports drinks in high heat scenarios would be smart. Wear sunscreen and reapply it on your break, and take the breaks in the shade. Your job site has hazards – it’s up to you to know what they are and what to do about it.

Be prepared for the reality of how your job affects your body. If you are sitting on top of a backhoe in the sun all day long, you will be sunburned and sore by the end of a sunny day. Wear eye and ear protection and adjust your seating so your body isn’t strained as you work. Look for ticks at the end of the day and report any bites. Pay attention to any safety regulations your employer asks you to follow.

Heavy equipment operators do best when they are trained and knowledgeable about the job they will be doing. ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Training School is a good way to get ready for a career that will give you the chance to do your job outside, just where you want to be working.