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Atlantic Radiators Inc. manufactures automotive radiators. Demand for its prod- ucts has resulted in an empty warehouse, and there is an urgent need to increase production to satisfy current customers. John Roberts is an employee of Atlantic Radiators. His job is to spray each radiator core with a dilute solution of hydrochlo- ric acid and to bake the radiators in an oven. John's supervisor has spoken to him several times about the need to speed up and not be the bottleneck in the production process. As a result, John has been taking some shortcuts, including neglecting to wear the proper eye protection. Today, he splashed some of the acid mixture in his eye and will now be off work for several days. As plant manager, you are responsible for reviewing this incident. Who is at fault here? What can be done to ensure that similar incidents will not occur in the future?
Answer:
1) Who is at fault here?
In my opinion, both the parties are at fault here i.e. John and his supervisor. This is because, the supervisor or the employer for that matter should have given proper guidelines to the labors regarding the chances of accidents with the acids or other substances being used by them in the work. The supervisors should also do a routine check to ensure if these guidelines kept by the entity are adhered to by the employees. This would have kept him being away from the committing of fault here.
Now coming to John, he is also at fault here because, when he was asked to become fast in doing the work or process rather than becoming a bottleneck, he should not have done the same compromising his safety as it would make him a bottleneck as he would have to stay away from work for several days now. And compromising his safety and being careless about his own safety was the fault of John.
2) What can be done to ensure that similar incidents will not occur in the future?
Workplaces, especially the one where hazardous materials or other substances are used for production are prone for accidents as in the case of John here. Every country has their own Acts and laws for ensuring a safe workplace for the workers of the entity. And along with the adherence to this law and Act, the entity should take some other measures from their own personal perspective and workplace integrity:
1. Ensure that all the employees are given proper instructions and detailing regarding the possible health hazards and other accidents which might be caused from the machines, equipment’s and other hazardous materials used by them.
2. There should be proper guideline and safety policies written and stuck at the premises for being referred to by the workers in a simple and readable or understandable language by the workers.
3. The supervisor should be responsible for making proper rounds for checking if the workers are complying with the safety measures and guideline or policies given to them.
4. There should also be a routine or once in a week or month checking by the management executives done for ensuring the compliance with the policies.
5. The entity should also bring in a proper reward and punishment policy for motivating the employees and keeping the employees away from committing any mistakes by not adhering to the policies.