Is this normal? New helper please help!
I just started working (about a month ago) as a helper for a non union company. My mechanic does not wear any PPE, insists it is a waste of time and money and will only get in the way.
We do not wear harnesses. We do not tie off. We do not wear hard hats, glasses, or gloves.
The couple installs I have been on, we have thrown a ladder over the hoist way to install brackets and rails. I have never been on an install more than 3 stops, so I imagine he builds off the platform for anything more than that.
I don't have a problem being on a ladder over the hoistway, but when I have to lift a rail, on the ladder, over the hoistway, it's pretty terrifying. I do a ton of rappelling and multi pitch rock climbing, I am not afraid of heights, just falling.
My mechanic insists that it's safe if I'm careful and just pay attention, but mistakes happen and I don't want to die lol. There has already been some pretty close calls from him and I just want to learn to do the job right and safe.
I'm pretty new and do not know if this is the normal life of a mechanic or just him. He has gone through a lot of helpers in the last couple of years and I'm afraid if I stress my concerns he will just let me go.
Just looking for some advice, it's a small company, and I can't really ask for advice anywhere else. I've done everything he's asked when it's comes to sketchy stuff, I just can't see it being viable long term without serious injury.