Risk Management Magazine

The ride south over the Siskiyou Mountains from Oregon to California started out cool enough. Up at 4,000 feet, it was chilly enough that I was glad I had added the jacket liner and neck warmer. But a hundred miles later, as I descend into the Sacramento Valley, the temperature begins to soar. 

Although many years have passed, I distinctly recall the practical exercise on changing a tire as a young private just starting my military career. The reason why this memory stands out is due to a run-in with a particularly loud and brash drill instructor that happened to see me working without eye protection. The ensuing 15-minute PT session ensured I learned one thing — personal protective equipment is important. 

There I was, young and dumb, riding a four-wheel all-terrain vehicle with no helmet, goggles, gloves or any other personal protective equipment. There were about eight of us that day, and we were out of control.