Scaffolding

Yes a snazzy title. But on the apartment block in which the people I care for, live, they are putting up scaffolding. And of course, they are plugging away early one morning when I walk through to the entrance. It's narrow and I can see that a pram could squeeze past but not a wheelchair or someone using a frame. So I shout up to one of the scaffolders, thinking I won't get a response or if I do, it will be a nonchalant 'yeah? what?' 'I say....' Of course, it doesn't quite come out like that. The lead scaffolder steps down the ladder and meets me. 'Look I don't think I can get a wheelchair through this narrow set of scaffold.' Silence. Oh no, I have mortally offended the chap. 'Yeah, I see your point. I'll have to do it again. I think he called the chap standing next to him Ron but I was in such shock that he agreed with me, I forget now. 'Well the thing is, I could squeeze it past but...' What am I doing? I'm self sabotaging the whole situation!!! 'No, no no. It's all got to be done. It's a legal requirement. Glad you told me on day one instead of three weeks in when I've put the whole thing up around the building.' Well yes quite. 'I'll sort it out. Don't worry.' He walks off, talking to Ron, or whatever his name is. I walk through the entry door. A day later, one of the residents complains about the scaffolders singing while they work. 'I can't say a bad word against them. They re jigged their scaffolding to fit wheelchairs or walking frames through. They're saints in my opinion.' Said resident wasn't too pleased. If we just ask, we sometimes get results! And thank our lucky stars for that. I know a few carers who would have said something but I also know a few who would have remained quiet. Don't worry about offending anyone, just ask. All they can say is no. And if they do, let's move on.