Glad you're okay—that sounds pretty intense. I've been thinking about this lately, especially since I just bought my first house and have been tackling some DIY projects. While I totally agree gear is crucial, sometimes I wonder if relying too much on protective equipment can give us a false sense of security. Like, last weekend I was trimming branches with a pole saw (not quite chainsaw-level scary, but still...), and even though I had gloves, goggles, and everything else, I caught myself getting a bit careless because I felt so protected.
Maybe it's just me overthinking things (wouldn't be the first time), but it seems like mindset matters just as much as gear. Staying alert and cautious might be even more important than having all the right equipment. Not saying gear isn't essential—it definitely is—but maybe we should remind ourselves not to let it lull us into complacency?
I get what you're saying about gear sometimes giving a false sense of security. A couple years back, I was reroofing a steep pitch and had all my harnesses and ropes set up perfectly. Felt totally secure, maybe too secure... ended up stepping onto a loose shingle without double-checking my footing. Luckily the harness caught me, but it was a wake-up call. Gear's great, but nothing beats staying focused and double-checking every move.
Yeah, that's a great point—gear can sometimes lull us into thinking we're bulletproof. I've inspected plenty of roofs where the homeowners thought they had everything covered safety-wise, but overlooked simple stuff like loose shingles or rotted decking. One guy I remember had all the latest harnesses and anchors set up, but he didn't realize the plywood under him was completely shot until he nearly went through it. Thankfully, he caught himself in time, but it shook him up pretty good.
Gear's definitely important, don't get me wrong, but it's just one part of the equation. Staying alert and double-checking your footing or handholds is crucial. I always tell folks that safety equipment is there as a backup—not something to rely on as your primary protection. A little healthy caution goes a long way...
Had a similar close call myself a few years back—thought I was being super careful, had the harness on and everything. But turns out I'd missed checking the flashing around the chimney, and when I stepped near it, the shingles just slid right out from under me. Didn't fall, but man, my heart skipped about ten beats. Now I make a habit of tapping around with a hammer handle first... sounds silly, but better safe than sorry, right?
Had a similar scare when I first moved in—thought I'd covered everything, but totally overlooked checking the plywood underneath. Now I always do a quick visual inspection and tap test before stepping anywhere sketchy... lesson learned the hard way, haha.
