Dan Baker thought he knew all about workplace hazards when he came up against some of rugby’s behemoth ball-carriers.
But even standing his ground to tackle an onrushing 19st opponent who may or may not have got out of bed on the wrong side in no way compares to what the amiable former Wales international is doing now.
Hold tight, those who are not fussed on heights, but Baker earns a living these days working 150ft up in the air with only the North Sea below him.
His job, it has to be said, is not for the faint-hearted.
He works as a roustabout on a rig off Norfolk in the oil and gas industry. The role is classed as one of the most perilous in the maritime world, with those doing it needing to take extra special care every single minute of every single day when they are offshore. The work is physical, shifts are long and dangers can include swinging loads, high winds and mountainous waves.
“There are less risky ways to make a living,” laughs Baker.
“I’ve been doing it for only a few weeks, but my dad has been on oil rigs where there have been 100mph winds and 50ft waves crashing onto the side of the structure.
“I was helicoptered out to the rig after driving to Norwich.
“The first thing that hits you is how big it is — it seems to go up into the air. You are walking on these steel girders and you can see down to the sea. I’m not the best at heights and water, anyway, so it takes some getting used to, but I’m sure I will get there.
“As part of a job during my first couple of weeks, I had to climb one of the legs, halfway up. I absolutely s**t myself climbing up there, but one of the guys more or less made me do it, which was brilliant.
“I’m sure the more I do it the easier it will be.
“That said, I still get a bit nervous when I look down or peep over the edge.”
Despite all the perils, the three-cap Wales international Baker is relishing his new life.
The ex-Ospreys and Dragons No. 8 packed in as a full-time rugby player earlier this year but still plays semi-professionally for Aberavon.
He works three weeks on the rigs and three weeks off.
And he says the tightness of the bonds between his new workmates is a plus.
“It reminds me of a rugby environment,” he says. “There could be 50 to a hundred men on the rig, with ages varying from 20 to 60, and the welcome I had was unbelievable. There’s great camaraderie and people look out for each other.
“The work is hard. You are offshore for three weeks, working seven days a week, and when you are there you have to be a hundred percent focused on what you are doing.
“But I knew what to expect because my dad has been on the rig I’m on for about 35 years. Both my brothers are in the industry as well. It’s like a family thing.
“I went into rugby. Now I have the chance to try something else. I wish I’d done it sooner because mentally it feels like a new release.
“I didn’t have any experience of life on the outside while I was playing full-time rugby. I wasn’t the best at school and I don’t have a degree or whatever to fall back on.
“So this is a great stepping stone for me, an opportunity to build a new career.
“It can be hard being away for blocks at a time, but it was always that way in our house when I was growing up, with my dad offshore.
“But I feel the quality of time I spend with my kids is better than if I were, say, doing a nine-to-five job. Then, there’s next to no quality time. You get home, see the kids for a bit and then they have to go to bed. Now, when I’m home, I can spend some great time with my two.”
Baker stays fit while away by using the facilities on the rig, with a free-weights gym and a cardio room open to workers. It means when he comes home he should be in shape to continue with his rugby.
“I’m in talks with Aberavon about how it can work,” he says. “My thinking is I still want to play for them when I’m home, because I enjoy being down there. The boys are great and so are the coaches.
“I know their head coach Jason Hyatt really well and he’s a brilliant bloke and a top coach, someone who knows his stuff and is honest with people.
“I think I can still do a job on the pitch. I’m only 30 and I still get a lot out of it. If Aberavon feel I can contribute, brilliant.”
Baker still keeps an eye on the fortunes of the Ospreys. “Me and my boy go down to the stadium sometimes,” he says.
“It does feel a bit weird, speaking to the boys when I’m not employed there any more., but I get on with them all.
"There's Sam Parry and I’m also friendly with Joe Hawkins, who’s from Pontardawe, where I live now. He’s done really well, not just for the Ospreys but also for Wales, when he played against Australia.
“They have some really promising young players. Morgan Morris is very good and he’s an honest bloke and humble. He’s stepped up to the mark and it’s been good to see.”
Filo Tiatia once identified Baker as a player who could have a high-rise career in the game if he delivered on his potential, and the Ystradgynlais product's outstanding ball-carrying did take him a long way.
Now the flame-haired back-rower is experiencing heights of a different kind.
Injuries hampered him during his time in professional sport.
But he isn't bitter.
"When I was growing up I wanted to play for Wales and I achieved that goal," he says. "I consider myself fortunate because not many people get to play for their country. I wish there had been more caps, but it is what it is."
A nice guy, Dan Baker.
The oil and gas industry has made a good signing.
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