Problem: Safety Incident at BC Chem Incorporated
BC Chem is a large wholesaler of industrial and institutional chemicals in British Columbia. It handles swimming pool supplies, industrial solvents, fertilizers, and special lubricants. The sales and clerical operations caused few safety worries, but the warehouse facilities caused Pam Peterson sleepless nights. Pam's title was manager of safety and security. She had worked in the human resource department since the job was created in 1993.
Her biggest problem was the warehouse manager, Dick Darlington. Dick simply did not appreciate safety. Nearly every action Pam took to improve safety resulted in objections from Dick, especially if it meant warehouse workers were to be slowed or delayed in their jobs. Most of the workers liked Pam, but they paid more attention to Dick. The only time employees wore their safety goggles, shoes, and acid-resistant gloves were when Pam was around. They knew Dick did not care and would not discipline good workers for safety violations unless company property was damaged.
One day a case of sulphuric acid was dropped, badly burning a new employee. The employee recovered after four weeks and two plastic surgery operations. Immediately after the accident, Sam requested a meeting with Gar, the human resource manager, and the general manager.
Task
1. Who is responsible for this incident? Why? What steps could have been taken to avoid this incident?
2. If you were the general manager, what would you do to gain greater co-operation on safety from Dick and the workers under him?
3. Should Pam be given authority to discipline those who violate safety rules? Why or why not? If yes, how should the discipline process be handled? If no, who should have this authority?