When it comes to industrial-type hazards you might say I've been a bit of a snowflake. Looking back over the years I am glad I stuck up for my beliefs in various situations. In particular I remember one co-worker singing that "Wimpy wimpy wimpy, hefty hefty hefty" jingle to me when I told him I wasn't going into a clay silo without a respirator. He put on two paper dust masks and went in there. Good way to get silicosis. Another time I told my supervisor I wasn't going to brush out the water jacket on a boiler because there was asbestos packing present.
I appreciate the tips, and believe I'll keep on looking out for my own well-being.