Machine operators should use protection

Editor:

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I know that state representative and former county commissioner Lee Anderson is a farmer by trade, and he is probably quite competent in operating all types of farm machinery. And, the fact that he used his time to clear trees after a storm in 2008 as shown on page 1 of the Feb. 1 edition of The Columbia County News-Times certainly shows his community spirit.

However, in the picture accompanying the article, Anderson does not appear to be wearing hearing or eye protection. Chain saws can be noisy and dangerous pieces of equipment, and the sawdust produced during cutting could easily hit a chain saw operator in the eye.

I would urge anyone using any type of noisy or dangerous equipment to wear the proper protective gear to avoid injury. If they don't think it can happen to them, they are welcome to stop by and look at the place where my missing finger used to be.

Tom Kane, Martinez