Crazy Experiences in Construction: Tales from the Site

With over 60 years in the construction industry, the range of experiences is vast and often filled with moments that defy the norm. From near misses to unexpected challenges, here are some of the craziest incidents I have encountered on site.

1. The Almost Fateful Fall

One of the more unusual events occurred when a temporary electricity setup and some rapid concrete pouring were essential tasks for our project. Following some initial leveling with gravel and setting up generators and rebar-bending machines, I joined a team of rebar workers who seemed to be cutting rebar with casual familiarity. As I inspected the site, I saw two workers falling

This unexpected incident was part of a much more serious event. One of them was electrocuted. Thankfully, I was able to hide and avoid testifying in court about what transpired.

2. The Hostage Situation

One of the most fascinating experiences I have had on site was when a drug dealer from Chicago was apprehended by the police just outside of Arcola, Illinois. This drug dealer in a heated moment shot and killed a police officer and fled the scene. In a twist of events, the fugitive took cover in a nearby bank, which happened to be a construction site. He managed to hold hostages for two hours, during which time everyone on the construction site, including my team, found themselves in a hostage situation.

We had to hide in a freshly poured concrete tunnel for two hours. It was a surreal and tense period, but our swift and resourceful actions helped us remain safe until the police were able to bring the situation under control.

3. The Water Fiasco

A less harrowing but equally memorable experience occurred on a project involving the expansion of a private girls' school. We were building three new classrooms over the existing locker rooms, with a proximity to a newly installed pool return pipe. Careful planning and protection of the pipe were crucial to prevent any damage. After some time, with all the footings cast and a fully scaffolded building, we believed we had mastered the situation and could relax. However, the pipe was soon forgotten about.

During a site meeting, a groundworker excitedly informed me that there was water everywhere on the site. Upon inspection, we discovered a 2-foot geyser of water where the bypass pipe had been protecting. The building team, including the scaffolders, had inadvertently left the pipe unprotected. As we worked to divert the water into a manhole, it took five hours to stop the flow, with the water eventually stopping and the site drying out two days later.

Conclusion

Each of these incidents highlighted the unpredictable nature of construction projects and the importance of thorough planning and safety measures. While these experiences may seem unusual, they are a testament to the resilience and professionalism of the construction industry.