The importance of following safety procedures precisely
Charlie Morecraft is an ordinary guy with an extraordinary story. In 1980, Morecraft was an employee of a major oil and gas company. According to him, he was a good employee.
"I was just like the hundreds of thousands of other blue-collar workers in the oil and gas industry," Morecraft said. "I never considered myself exceptional. I felt like I was 'just one of the boys.'"
At the time, Morecraft had more than 15 years of experience on the job, and he knew his job well.
"I knew all the rules, all the safety regulations and all the shortcuts around them, too," he said. "I was certain nothing could go wrong, and I was right -- except for this one time."
Shortcuts nearly cost Morecraft his life when a routine job turned tragic. Burned on over 50 percent of his body in a refinery explosion, Morecraft spent five years in the hospital. His family fell apart, and he lost everything. Morecraft now serves as a dynamic speaker who shares his story emphasizing taking responsibility for one's actions and one's safety.
"In this industry, you have standard training meetings, videos and seminars to demonstrate how to follow safety procedures," Morecraft said. "But I'm a living testament to why you should precisely follow those safety procedures."
Morecraft is helping thousands of people all over the world through his motivational safety presentations, videos and safety products. His goal is to help bring a new level of safety awareness to the industry.
"Safety is your responsibility," Morecraft emphasized. "Safety is personal. It's about going home at the end of the day and kissing your spouse and hugging your kids. That's it."
Morecraft recently shared his story with one of BIC Alliance's marketing partners, Excel Modular Scaffold. Morecraft spoke in front of more than 230 Excel employees who were preparing for an upcoming turnaround in a Midwest refinery. One Excel employee, Ericka Bradley, stated she will never forget Morecraft's message.
"My old project manager would always ask us in our safety meetings, 'What is the worst thing that could happen by not working safely or following procedures?'" Bradley said. "Everyone would respond, 'You could die.' But dying is not the worst. The worst is getting hurt and you and your loved ones having to live with it. Seeing Charlie in person and hearing his message confirmed that statement and made everything seem so real.
"Tears came to my eyes for those who were affected by his choices that day. Losing his father, wife and daughter -- and the fact of not wanting to live with himself -- was overwhelming for me. I left that day knowing we have circumstances in life, and from those circumstances we have choices. Depending on the choice you make, there is a consequence. Be mindful because your choices not only affect you; they also affect those who love you."
Excel also made a donation to Vets Helping Heroes, an organization supported by Morecraft. Vets Helping Heroes is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization raising funds to sponsor the training of assistance dogs for disabled American veterans and active-duty military personnel. Morecraft sits on the board of directors and donates all the proceeds from his speaking engagements to the organization.
"My wife, Janet, and I are committed to using our resources to make a difference in the quality of life for other human beings," Morecraft said. "The dogs from Vets Helping Heroes are trained by professionals for veterans who have served honorably."
For more information about Vets Helping Heroes, visit www.vetshelpingheroes.org or call (561) 953- 5250. For more information about Charlie Morecraft, visit www.charliemorecraft.com or call (800) 783-0796.
