Rolling the dice....
Who knows why, I can only tell you I've had enough sports related injury that surgery and rehab is depressing, not being able to go out and do something until I heal, or I suffer income losses on top. Its irresponsible to my wife and family if that happens, so I do everything possible to avoid it.
I do a lot of things by myself most would get a friend to help or hire someone else. I just prefer to know whats done is correct and of the highest quality. I don't have to be in a hurry, so the extra time it takes to do by myself, or the prep work it takes to set up to do things by myself, isn't really a big deal. Tools and equipment are plentiful, and I can rig like Magiver without the mullet.
Not saying I do things alone, cause thats not safe, but my friends can socailize and hang in the shade.
I built the Woodsmoke Lounge by myself, and enjoyed every minute.
I wear as much PPE as I can. Hard hat, muffs, screen, because I'm either wearing my prescrip sunglasses, or clear safety glasses. Probably not shirtless, but a teeshirt and chaps, even if I'm wearing shorts under them, leather work boots.
Im thinking I might try the respirator for the future, after a weekend of bucking, my sinus is telling me about it for a week after, especially if its Oak. Even, when doing carpentry with Southern Yellow Pine and SYP Pressure treated, I'm going to be reaching for the respirator nowadays.
Sharp as my chains are, you're still gonna have airborn dust. Years of running equipment, I've always worn PPE.