Eric Giguere

Safety Speaker, Safety Awareness Solutions

Life for Eric Giguere only looked up.  A capable worker with a good job and good pay, he married on September 28, 2002.  Within a week, the newlyweds would be on their honeymoon.  Six days after the wedding Eric went to work and looked forward to leaving for his honeymoon after his shift was over.  That joy never came to be. Eric had 5 years experience as a union laborer, and was two months into his first trenching project.  The crew was installing a 12-inch water main.  Eric got down into the 6.5 foot trench to inspect the pipe, and the trench walls collapsed.  He was buried under several feet of soil.  Eric panicked.  He was unable to breath under the crushing weight. His fear began to subside and a feeling of warmth and comfort came over him.  Eric was dying. He regained consciousness in the hospital where he learned of the quick action of his team to dig him out.  The doctors told Eric he suffered permanent brain damage from the lack of oxygen.  Despite the odds against any life other than one of permanent disability, Eric never stopped fighting to overcome what he was told was now impossible. Eric is an average guy who had the typical attitude toward safety: "Accidents happen, but not to me".  Until the one that nearly took his life.  Now Eric's mission in life is to make sure this arrogance he had toward safety doesn't become yours.  His message is simple and serious, "This can happen to you." Eric lectures about his experience and his focus on safety - your safety.  He has consulted for many companies, such as National Grid, Thomas & Betts, NRG and Nucor Steel.  He has spoken at many safety seminars including the Dival Safety Summit and the Eight Safety Seminars for Dig Safety New York.  Eric relates with the average "working man" and tells audiences about his personal story from the heart.