Join the Local Area OSHA Office and GBCA for our Hoagies with OSHA! Previously known as "Eggs with OSHA," this year, we’re introducing a fresh format. Hoagies with OSHA, will take place on Wednesday, June 18th, from 12 PM to 2 PM at the Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical Center in Philadelphia.
OSHA representatives will begin the event with a presentation covering the latest updates. Then, hear from Eric Giguere, a former construction worker who survived being buried in a trench collapse. Eric will share how the incident occurred and how it impacted his career and life. His story reinforces the importance of following safety procedures and staying alert to prevent serious accidents.
Life for Eric Giguere only looked up. A capable worker with a good job and good pay, he married on September 28, 2002. Within a week, the newlyweds would be on their honeymoon. Six days after the wedding Eric went to work and looked forward to leaving for his honeymoon after his shift was over. That joy never came to be.
Eric had 5 years experience as a union laborer, and was two months into his first trenching project. The crew was installing a 12-inch water main. Eric got down into the 6.5 foot trench to inspect the pipe, and the trench walls collapsed. He was buried under several feet of soil. Eric panicked. He was unable to breath under the crushing weight. His fear began to subside and a feeling of warmth and comfort overcame him. Eric was dying.
He regained consciousness in the hospital where he learned of the quick action of his team to dig him out. The doctors told Eric he suffered permanent brain damage from the lack of oxygen. Despite the odds against any life other than one of permanent disability, Eric never stopped fighting to overcome what he was told was now impossible.
Eric is an average guy who had the typical attitude toward safety: "Accidents happen, but not to me". Until the one that nearly took his life. Now Eric's mission in life is to make sure the arrogance he had toward safety doesn't become yours. His message is simple and serious, “This can happen to you.”
Eric lectures about his experience and his focus on safety – your safety. He has consulted for many companies, such as ExxonMobil, NiSource, PG&E and Questar Gas. He has spoken at many safety seminars including the American Society of Safety Engineers’ Professional Development Conference, the National Safety Council, the Common Ground Alliance Conference and Expo and the VPPPA. Eric relates with the average “working man” and tells audiences about his personal story from the heart.
All individuals registering and attending this event, by virtue of their registration or attendance, agree to GBCA’s Code of Conduct, Image Release, and Registration and Event Cancellation policies posted HERE.
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