OK, I got a tale to tell...
Six months into working for cable, I went to gaffing class. I had been trained in the field by several seasoned techs, and was quite comfortable on hooks.
Well, after breezing thru the class, even coaching other guys along, my only issue was the manuever where you do a 360 around the pole. Our practice poles were all chewed up, and quite narrow up at 18 feet. At base of the pole, we only had a thin layer of mulch over gravel. No fall arrest systems. No attachments/strand to hold onto.
Now, to pass the final, you had to do all the manuevers at 18 feet. I had to be the first one to go. It was standard practice for Wes, the trainer, to videotape each test.
So, after doing all the pre-climbing tests and preparation, I start to climb. Wes has the camera on a tripod, careful to keep a good angle on my climb. I belt off at 18', haul up my tool bucket, and go thru the motions of working on a tap. No problems. I finish by lowering my bag to the ground. Now it's time for my 'favorite', the 360 around the pole.
First, we have to option to do it with or without the belt around the pole. I felt comfortable without the strap, so I start my rotation to the right. All the way, no problem. Now we go back the other way. By now, my arms and legs are aching a little. My first stab at the pole hit home, left hook is in. Set my right hook in and go to set my left again, and MISS!
With most of my weight shifting to my left foot, I caught a small section of the pole, and it let go.
Down I go. Straight down, feet first into the ground. I simply disappear out of the screen on the tape.
I landed and (from what I'm told) my knee went up and caught me on the chin, chipping a molar and putting a nice gash in my chin. Now I'm flat on my back, dazed...
Wes now moves the camera to show me on the ground, before coming over to check on me. He calls 911, while the other guys stabilize my neck and head, just in case. Anyways...
The only other injury was a broken heel, which allowed me to get familiar with the office operations while I recovered.
As soon as I was able, I went back and finished my test.
Anyway, never felt as comfortable climbing after that. Still did though... I used to have a copy of that video, should've saved it, but no...
