'On The Tools' is one of those Twitter accounts you don't know you need in your life until you see it. With a bio that promises "trade banter between on-site and off-site workers," it delivers exactly that. And then some.
From funny and weird pictures of workers' everyday lives to OSHA violations and relatable memes about the struggles of the trade, 'On The Tools' has it all.
Whether you're a plumber, electrician, carpenter, or just someone who enjoys a good laugh, this account is sure to brighten up your day.
More info: Twitter
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Having a platform to express yourself and relate to other people in the industry can be more important than we think. Especially among these workers.
Concerns over mental health are growing in the construction industry because it ranks second highest in suicide rates among major business sectors.
Took me a minute, I looked at everything except the doors and thought "wtf am I missing?" And then I saw it!
Multiple factors likely contribute to higher suicide rates and mental health concerns in the construction industry, including the following:
- Male-dominated industry, with men experiencing the highest suicide rates;
- Toughness and strength are valued, mental health conditions, or seeking help, may be seen as a personal weakness;
- Stigma and fear of consequences associated with mental health issues and help-seeking;
- Shame and fear of judgment;
- Chronic pain;
- Seasonal and cyclical work contributing to family and financial strain;
- High-stress and deadline-driven work;
- Limited job control;
- Long work hours including the potential for a large volume of overtime leading to fatigue
- Separation from family when working away from home.
My next friend's dad was a contractor, he would tell me the places his dad built as we drove places.
I know every business my grandpa and/or uncle has wired in the greater Denver area. lol
Extra fun to play in Los Angeles. "Hey, where did you say you watched the riots from?" "Richard Dreyfuss' roof."
My dad was a Glazer and was famous for saying "I put those windows in" and then point to a school. or if we were in any building he would judge the Caulking job
I do this, but with construction equipment. See that Cat? I fixed the tread on that.
To my daughter: "See those planes? I made parts for most of them." and also: "All those space shuttles NASA sent to space and the ISS? I made parts for probably all the CANADARMs they had and some parts for one or two ISS modules too!"
My husband is a restaurant equipment service tech. He does this, but also informs me of all the places I'm not allowed to eat because he's seen their kitchens. (I asked him why he doesn't report them? He's not allowed to, per company policy).
My dad used to be an electrical engineer for GE, and [before 9/11] he walked up to Washington State Ferry workers and told them that he helped maintain their engine turbine systems, and could he please show his daughter (me) around under deck? That was probably the coolest spontaneous tour of a random thing I've ever gotten. Those engines are massive.
Know why? Because it's a primal instinct to build. Over time we've started building more abstract things, but building shelter and water and energy is visceral. And building it to the highest standards of your craft, as something you can be proud of, and offering it to your customers is the best feeling I have.
My dad did some city sign maintenance for a while and 6 year old me thought it was the coolest thing ever when he pointed them out.
My husband does inspections. He points them all out. I quiz him about what it looks like inside and all that, but the 1st thing he tells me about is the pets in the house. What he runs into the most is the smell of pot and people excusing out of it. He just says I don't care I'm here to look at X. It's legal here now so . . .
I did construction as a spot job ONCE, for ONE weekend in 2007. And yes, every time I drive by that building I tell everyone in the car that I grouted the 5th floor concrete slabs.
Reminds me of the lovely scene in Breaking Away where the father walks through the college remembering his work on it
My husband was a sheet metal worker in Manhattan for 25 years. Any time we're in the city he points out where he's worked and even if we see something having to do with NYC on TV he'll say...."I've done work in that building"....lol
In fact, according to research done by the Construction Industry Rehabilitation Plan (CIRP), 83 percent of construction industry workers have experienced some form of moderate to severe mental health issues.
Mental illness is now the leading cause of disability in the workplace, said CIRP executive director Vicky Waldron.
This should be multiple choice. A.) Yes B.)No or C.) My neighbor's niece's best friend who I've never met has it and I spoke with my neighbor 4 days ago.
Waldron said the workplace itself has a significant impact on mental health, and that creating psychologically safer workplaces can help to improve the mental health of workers.
However, physical safety can't be ignored either. Many of the risks can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities. For instance, in 2020, the number of nonfatal falls, slips, and trips was higher for construction workers than for all workers in other industries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
In 2021, OSHA’s most frequently cited job site violation was falling. The agency issued more than 5,400 violations for falls during that year, which totaled a combined $28.8 million in penalties. Construction is an inherently risky job. Most workers understand the potential dangers they can face. However, it’s easy to overlook basic safety protocols.
The bottom line is that these folks have it hard. So if anyone deserves a good laugh during a break at work, it's them.
You said you wanted the couch moved, you didn't say anything about not putting holes in it.
Note: this post originally had 89 images. It’s been shortened to the top 35 images based on user votes.
In my 40 years as a carpenter. I can honestly say not one in here surprised me.
In my 40 years as a carpenter. I can honestly say not one in here surprised me.
