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Ep 650. Buried Alive ! & The Gift of Living

⏱️ 1:12:12 🎀 Caleb Auman, Ashley Pickerelli, Zach Taylor
AUDIO EPISODE
Ep 650. Buried Alive ! & The Gift of Living
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Chapters

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  • 0:00
    Introduction & Trench Safety
    Caleb Auman introduces Ashley Pickerelli's survival story and emphasizes the importance of safety on job sites, warning against unstable trenches.
  • 4:40
    Ashley's Background & Military Career
    Ashley discusses her career path, from the Air Force to becoming a Massachusetts National Guard helicopter pilot, and her motivation for seeking construction experience.
  • 16:09
    Zach Taylor's Introduction & Conexpo
    Zach Taylor, a trench safety advocate, introduces himself and explains his connection to Ashley's story, mentioning their upcoming panel discussion on trench safety at Conexpo.
  • 20:05
    The Day of the Accident
    Ashley recounts the events leading up to the trench collapse, describing her inexperience and the unsafe conditions on the job site.
  • 30:58
    Buried Alive & Rescue
    Ashley vividly describes being buried in the trench, the feeling of the dirt, and her conscious experience during the 30-minute rescue operation.
  • 42:57
    Medical Intervention & Recovery
    Ashley details the immediate aftermath of her rescue, the medical procedures she underwent, and the severity of her injuries, including multiple broken ribs and internal bleeding.
  • 50:30
    Resilience & Positive Mindset
    Ashley discusses the positive mindset that contributed to her survival and quick recovery, highlighting her determination to overcome adversity.

Speakers

C
Caleb Auman
Host
A
Ashley Pickerelli
Massachusetts National Guard helicopter pilot
Z
Zach Taylor
Founder of Millania Corp

Key Takeaways

✦

Never enter an un-shored or unprotected trench; always prioritize safety over expediency.

✦

Ensure all new hires, regardless of their background, receive comprehensive safety training specific to their tasks, especially for high-risk activities like trench work.

✦

Implement and enforce strict safety protocols on every job site, recognizing that even experienced workers can become complacent or ignore dangers.

✦

Invest in and utilize proper trench protection equipment, such as shoring or trench boxes, for any excavation over 5 feet deep.

✦

Foster a culture where employees feel empowered to speak up about unsafe conditions without fear of reprisal.

✦

Regularly review and update safety procedures, incorporating lessons learned from incidents and industry best practices.

✦

Maintain clear communication and identify all personnel on site, especially in emergency situations, to facilitate rapid response and accurate information.

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