I was told yesterday that the owner of the company told other operators that if they refuse jobs they are done.... They cannot shut down jobs only he can... Funny I never shut the job down I just expressed my concerns to the site safety super and never had the chance to tell my boss my side.

I can not comment on what happened because I was not present but that is what I was told.

Well I hope this never happens to any of you and that you will never be in a spot where you have to choose. I feel sorry for the remaining operators at that company. As for another job had 2 offers in the same day.

38zman....lol now 36zman and a better and newer pump.

Ps The second operator was not fired for refusing the same piles.

If I was fired over following a safety guideline, I would contact my state labor relations board for advice, assuming of course you don't have a union to support you.  This really sounds like an "unfair labor act" to me...

I was doing a pour for Pacific Gas and Electric, and all the PG&E employees had real nice stickers that were similar to our 17' rule stickers that Todd has, but they also listed the power line voltage and the foot rule. I believe the big rock 'em sock 'em amounts require the line to be shut down too, cause their is no gaurantee that it won't arc over to ya...

I just want you to know that I have the utmost respect for you. I am always proud to know people that do what is right in spite of the cost, only a person with good character can so this. I hope that your example will be used to help save life’s. Thanks again. P.S. Can you email me the name of the company you worked for, I will not post it but would like to know. todd@concretepumping.com

I want to know too!!!!!!!!!

couse I will never work for him/them !!!!

I refused a job this winter.  The ready mix company owner came out to look at the job site.  He asked me why I wouldn't do the job.  I showed him where the outriggers were already beginning to cave in the bank, on a built up causeway, and I haven't even raised the boom up yet.  I explained the 1 to 1 rule.  He still persisted and disagreed with me.  We were 10 to 1, fresh fill and not compacted, very unsafe.  I told him fine, "you give me a statement that you will except all responsibilities for any and all damages in equipment and injury or death to personnel and I'll do it".  He then backed down and agreed we shouldn't do the job until the causeway is widened and properly prepared.  By the way, the contractor had already agreed with me that it wasn't safe before the owner arrived.

I have to say that it was a good call.A good point you made was contractor was in agreement beforehand.I somehow feel you made a friend for life with super.Now when you pull onto one of his jobsites he see's wisdom.