It is clear and irrefutable that the greatest likelihood of arc flash hazards occurs when employing a solidly grounded or ungrounded system.
All you need to do is speak with someone who has survived an arc flash event or look at the statistics to understand the magnitude of impact these events have on not only that person who may have survived but also on everyone else either directly or indirectly involved; at work and at home.
The focus of this effort is to get the organization engaged with electrical safety at the beginning of the year, sparking team energy that will start your year off in the right direction.
Let's emphasize your need to work towards safety and to implement what you have learned in your jobs and your lives; it will also help you see how you can get more involved and make an even better and safer electrical industry.
If your PPE were readily accessible, a lot of hesitation would be removed from the above equation and, more than likely, you would have completed this job with the appropriate gear.