Greg, I realize you're a widower but for the other folks out there let me say that there are some things I don't do if my wife isn't home. Such as work on the roof of the travel trailer, load a refrigerator and such onto the motorcycle lift that doubles as a mobile loading dock, run the chainsaw.... But then there are things that when I'm in the middle of doing when I realize I'm in danger.
I try to anticipate the danger but there are lapses. One recent project was to dig for the rear master cylinder on an old Goldwing 1500, a four-hour job. At first I thought I'd just run it up on the lift and hoist it to work height. But it weighs north of 900 pounds so after positioning the lift and aiming it at said lift I came to my senses and just decided to work on it on the floor. I have a creeper for getting under the truck for grease jobs etc, so I've used that.
I got involved in repairing a poorly engineered Chinese grain combine and when I got the bent shafts straightened and the various chains and belts back in order, realized that the machine was inherently dangerous and the owner should not operate it. I had traded two summers worth of fresh vegetables for the job. He was happy that it was back in order but unhappy about what I told him, i.e. "I won't work on it any more." I don't carry garage-keeper's liability and I doubt my home owners umbrella policy would cover any failures that could possibly be traced back to me. So I'm being more careful about the jobs I take, and I do not work for cash, only trades like vegetables, cabinet carpentry or brush mowing, etc.
I should have been more careful when I was younger too but I got away with it on account of strength and agility both of which are waning.
