There are many ways to enjoy the amateur radio hobby, and just as many ways to injure yourself while taking part. Far too often, online radio forums and print magazines tell the unfortunate accounts of those who paid the ultimate price for their love of radio.
Beyond the occasional tower mishap, electrocutions and falls during antenna installation are all too common. Whether the roof was too steep or slippery, or sound judgment was suspended in the name of haste, many people die every year while trying to erect new antennas.
Even simple wire antennas can be hazardous to install. Though trees make convenient supports, many operators are not in good enough shape to climb a big pine. Even the fittest operator is at risk when the tree is too small or old to support the weight of a human. And when the various projectiles used for getting pull-string into the trees start flying, everyone should be concerned.
After the antenna is installed, every operator is responsible for knowing and enforcing the safe distance between their antennas and any people or pets that might be impacted by exposure to radio-frequency (RF) radiation.
Inside the shack, poor grounding can lead to "RF bites," and overloaded electrical circuits can lead to fires. Soldering irons burn people and property when handled carelessly. In the vehicle, undersized or non-fused power leads are the stuff of catastrophic meltdowns, and poorly secured antennas can damage the vehicle's surface and passing motorists or pedestrians. Mobile rigs not securely mounted have turned into missiles when the driver loses control of the vehicle.
Bottom line: Every operator has a responsibility to think about safety.
