Freeway Cleanup a Hazardous Job

When you think of dangerous jobs, you probably think to some of the reality TV shows featured on Discovery—jobs like ice trucking, lumberjacking, deep sea fishing. But have you thought about highway cleanup? Workers in California share some of their experiences—and the reason why some wear a “Slow for the Cone Zone” silicone wristband to promote safety: “When life vests fall from towed boats, Wells sees that they get to a water safety program. When workers find a cell phone, they look for "Mom" on speed dial. Last week, a colorful wallet found on the roadside was on Wells' desk awaiting return to its out-of-state owner. "We try to return people's things to them," he said. But the workers try not to risk their lives for anything. It's dangerous enough standing alongside whizzing traffic, where sleepy truckers drift and drivers yak on cell phones. Wells said he's seen a broken piece of a truck's leaf springs fly past at freeway speed, and a whole wheel assembly roll off a boat trailer and between maintenance workers. "It'd rip your leg off like nobody's business," said Wells, who wears an orange "Slow for the Cone Zone" silicone wristband. "A lot of our people get hurt," he said. "People get killed." So if you forget something on the roof, or don't tie it down, or it falls out of the trunk on the freeway, don't bother going back for it. "It's not worth losing your life over," Wells said” (http://www.sacbee.com/2011/03/02/3441721/trash.html). I can only imagine what they have to clean up out there. I’m sure every day is an experience.