This document discusses a situation where the author witnessed a coworker take a safety risk on the job and chose not to intervene. As a result, the coworker died. The author expresses guilt over not speaking up about the unsafe act, as doing so may have saved the coworker's life. The moral of the story is that if someone sees an unsafe act at work that puts someone's life at risk, they should say something and not ignore it, as a simple comment could help prevent tragedy.
8. I could Have Saved a Life That Day I could have saved a life that day. But I chose to look the other way. It wasnt that I didnt care, I had the time, and I was there. But I didnt want to seem a fool Or argue over a safety rule I knew hed done the job before, If I called it wrong, he might get sore. The chances didnt seem that bad, Ive done the same, he knew I had. So I shook my head and walked on by, He knew the risks as well as I. He took the chance, I closed an eye, And with that act, I let him die. I could have saved a life that day, But I chose to look the other way. Now every time I see his wife, Ill know I should have saved his life. That guilt is something I must bear, But it isnt something you need share. If you see a risk that others take That puts their health or life at stake The question asked, or thing you say Could help them live another day If you see a risk and walk away Then hope you never have to say I could have saved a life that day, But I chose to look the other way