Ladder safety is something we discuss on a regular basis at my company. We have two main rules; no climbing on a roof if you are by yourself, and always make certain the feet are firmly planted. We have had no accidents of any kind in 14 years, and our first ladder related accident was just last Wed. And it was ME!

I have this thing about "damsels in distress". Or maybe, to be more accurate, I have this need to be "the knight in shining armor". All my guys were out, an elderly widowed customer called about a new roof leak, so I set out to save her. I knew the house from previous visits, and felt comfortable climbing on her roof by myself. (Rule # 1).

I set the ladder on the wood deck (questionable move), and started up the ladder. About halfway up, let's say my feet were about five feet off the ground, I felt the feet of the ladder sliding. This is an absolutely helpless feeling, and I hope you never experience it. Down goes the ladder and down goes Bob. (Rule # 2).

As it turned out, I was very lucky that day. No broken bones, no ambulance ride, and I finished out the day with my hurt pride as my worst injury. I limped around on a sore left ankle for a few days, but that's about it.

Incidents like this are due to complacency, and we should never allow ourselves to think we are smarter than the safety rules that govern our very own employees. On Thursday morning I stood in front of my men and told the entire story. They needed to be reminded just how easily accidents can happen when we don't follow safety protocol.

This is a slow time of year for many of us. Be careful! Don't let your way of thinking slow down as well. I feel very fortunate to be sharing this story.

See you all in Orlando!