Chilean Workers

Chilean Workers
Gregory Payne
BCOM275
October 20, 2011
Eric Graves

Chilean Workers
The devastating news of the 30 Chilean workers trapped in a collapsed copper mine, had majority of the world waiting with anticipation as to what is going to be the outcome of these fine young men, risking their lives for their country in order to provide for their family. One can’t help to wonder what is going on in these gentlemen minds, knowing that they are trapped 300 meters below surface with limited food, water and supplies. Not only what are they thinking, but more so the families of the individuals that are trapped. To take it a little farther, what is going on in the employer’s mind, knowing that he or she has employees trapped inside a copper mine. What is the next plan of action at this point? That is the question that the employer and the family members should be asking. Communication should be the next agenda on the employer’s mind, as to what he must communicate to the public, as well as to the family members of the victims. More than likely the public is going to have questions, and without a shadow of a doubt, the family members will have plenty of questions. With this in mind, some potential considerations to take into account when communicating to the public and family members are accurate information, explanation as to why this happened, what are the plans for recovering the people? Ask questions about special attention family members have in regard to this unfortunate mishap. Questions should be guided towards any spouse that may be pregnant and due soon, medical conditions, followed by counseling for family members. We will now look at each consideration entirely.
Potential considerations to remember given the different roles of the audience When addressing the public with critical information, it is always best that you have accurate information. Know that you are not a going to get every detailed scoped of the events at first, but as they arise you should articulate that to the public. I would even suggest talking to the families involved, face to face first before going public. The best you can try to explain your theory as to what happened and what are the plans to recovering the individuals that are involved. Are you exhausting all efforts to ensure everything is being done to recover the victims? These are all valid topics that the employer should take into consideration when conducting communication to the public and family members. Finally what efforts will you provide for the family of the victims, and by efforts were talking about setting up some type of counseling, stress management or any kind of platform that the family member may utilize to help them through this whole ordeal. This gesture shown on behalf of the employer would communicate to the families that he/she sympathize with them and that they’re all in this together.
Potential needs of the company’s employees The potential needs of the employees would almost mirror that of the public and family members, with a few exceptions. As an employee I would want the company to review with the employees their safety inspection over the past 10 years. Looking at this will provide insight as to how the company is measuring up in regard to meeting and maintaining safety guidelines. Normally a good report in safety means the company has an overall good report. However, a mediocre report typically means that the company has been known to cut corners where safety is concerned, and the employee’s has the right to that type of information. Safety should always be a huge concern to both the employer and employee. That leads to the next concern of the employee. If working in an environment where safety is a risk, first of all I wouldn’t have any part of this company if I had to sacrifice my safety. If working in an environment such as this, then something needs to be said about the medical benefits that the company offer to its employees due to dangerous work conditions. Professional Counseling should also be afforded to the employee in dealing with critical circumstances such as this. The presence of the CEO and other important personnel is detrimentally important to the employees. It sends vibe to the employees that you’re more valuable to us then you think. Confronting the media or family members of catastrophic events is never an easy task. There is so much to take into consideration when dealing with this type of event. I can’t stress the importance of before addressing the audience always gather as much accurate information first so that you can articulate the question that will follow. Finally follow up with a thorough investigation as to the account of the event.