You Are OK - Until You Aren't
February 1, 2026 - Guest Column Written by Don Dugger
In the mulch and soil industry, long hours aren’t unusual — they’re part of the season. Overtime can be appealing and many associates welcome the chance to earn extra income. But the reality is simple: Even the hardest workers have limits.
WARNING LIGHTS
Every operator knows the importance of paying attention to warning lights on loaders, grinders, trucks and conveyors.
A flashing light doesn’t mean the equipment has failed; it means a problem is coming if you don’t act. Maybe the hydraulics are running hot. Maybe a belt is slipping. Maybe fluid levels are getting low.
Machines warn us before the breakdown. Humans do, too, but we’re not as good at listening to our own warning lights.
HIDDEN COSTS
Overtime in season can be a great opportunity. The work is steady, the days are full and the paychecks reflect the effort. But running hard for long stretches comes with real risks.
Just like a machine pushed past its limits, people don’t break all at once. They wear down. And often, the person wearing down is the last one to see it.
OFF-SITE DEMANDS
What makes fatigue more complicated is the job isn’t the only source of long hours. Associates have families, responsibilities and personal activities that start before they head in and long after they clock out.
When you add these to a demanding work schedule, even a tough, experienced worker can suddenly feel worn down. Humans tend to believe they can “push through” anything, but biology says otherwise. Being tired isn’t weakness. It’s a warning light.
CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS
People often tell themselves they’re fine. But these signs can indicate they’re pushing the limit:
- Trouble focusing
- Small mistakes that normally wouldn’t happen
- Feeling irritable or mentally foggy
- Forgetting simple steps
- Physical exhaustion
- Difficulty making decisions
These are the human version of low-oil lights and overheating gauges. Ignoring them doesn’t make them go away. It just points to a bigger problem later.
ABOUT DON DUGGER WORKED IN THE MULCH INDUSTRY FOR ABOUT 35 YEARS, INCLUDING ROLES AS PLANT MANAGER AND REGIONAL DIRECTOR. HE IS A REGULAR CONTRIBUTOR TO MULCH MATTERS, WHERE HE SHARES INSIGHTS ABOUT THE BUSINESS.