Watch Shake Hands with Danger

Shake Hands with Danger is a thrilling 1980 film that effectively shows how seemingly small mistakes can lead to disastrous consequences in the workplace, particularly in the realm of construction. The movie follows the character of Jack Dobson (played by Cliff Bemis) who works as an equipment operator at a construction site. Jack feels confident in his abilities at work, but his overconfidence leads him to make impulsive decisions that put the safety of himself and his coworkers in jeopardy. Jack's colleagues, including his supervisor Bill (Charles Oldfather), try to persuade Jack to be more cautious but Jack brushes them off, convinced that he knows best.

However, Jack's behavior catches up with him when a tragic accident occurs on the job site. Despite Jack's belief that it was not his fault, he is unable to escape his feelings of guilt and uncertainty about his future in the construction industry.

Shake Hands with Danger manages to portray an accurate representation of the world of construction work and the various dangers that come along with it. The film explores the pressures that workers face to complete projects under tight deadlines, and how this can lead to people taking shortcuts that compromise safety.

Throughout the film, the audience watches as Jack disregards safety procedures, such as wearing his hard hat while operating heavy machinery. The consequences of such behavior are highlighted when Jack's colleague has a near-miss accident. This moment serves as a warning to both Jack and the audience about the dangers that come from failing to take appropriate precautions.

The movie also provides a look into the health consequences that construction workers can face due to their line of work. It establishes the importance of appropriate protective measures to prevent injuries and health problems from arising, such as the use of hearing protection to avoid hearing loss or the proper use of protective eyewear to prevent eye injuries from flying debris.

While Shake Hands with Danger provides informative and cautionary messages about the importance of safety in the workplace, it is also a suspenseful and thrilling drama. The tension builds as the audience watches Jack's recklessness create increasingly dangerous situations, with the inevitable tragic accident ultimately causing a shocking and emotional twist in the plot.

The performances of the actors, particularly Cliff Bemis as Jack, are realistic and impactful. The anguish and guilt that Jack experiences after the accident are palpable and heartfelt, making the audience feel invested in his journey towards redemption.

Overall, Shake Hands with Danger is an engaging and educational film for anyone interested in understanding the importance of workplace safety, particularly in the construction industry. The stories and characters are relatable and the dangers presented in the film are all too real. Though it was made in 1980, the themes and messages of the movie still resonate today, making it a timeless and valuable addition to any collection of impactful films.