The Safety Program
The Safety Program
November 24, 2012
Belcher Manufacturing Company is guilty of safety violations that resulted in the death of William Carlson because Belcher seemed well aware that “most of the inspectors, including Carlson, had developed various “shortcuts” to reduce the time required to test each compressor” and that some inspectors continue to use the shortcuts even after the accident (Nkomo, Fottler, McAfee, pg. 254). The company should have taken disciplinary actions towards those who were using the shortcuts. Also, where were the supervisors? If taking shortcuts can cause the compressors to explode, should there not be a final inspection of the initial inspection or a secondary procedure to protect the employees and the company?
Whether or not Belcher is found guilty or innocent, the company should be taking disciplinary precautions to avoid more incidents, further injuries and court appearances/costs occur. OSHA requires that employers must develop a training program specific to the type of equipment and working conditions encountered. Employers must also evaluate the employee’s performance in the workplace, which in Belcher’s case, may not be happening as often as necessary. Organizations should monitor and evaluate their safety efforts (Mathis & Jackson, pg. 486). Safety efforts being audited periodically, unannounced, should keep the employees and supervisors on their toes. It also helps measure the progress of safety management (Mathis & Jackson, pg. 486). Another recommendation may be to apply incentive pay for thoroughness or complete work for quality and quantity vs. just quantity. Any method of the “double checking” or auditing method may be very helpful to avoid future injuries and deaths.
Reference:
Mathis, R. & Jackson, J. (2011) Human Resource Management. (13th ed.).Cincinnati, OH: South-Western.
Nkomo, S., Fottler, M, & McAfee, R. (2011). Human Resource Management Applications: Cases, Exercises,
November 24, 2012
Belcher Manufacturing Company is guilty of safety violations that resulted in the death of William Carlson because Belcher seemed well aware that “most of the inspectors, including Carlson, had developed various “shortcuts” to reduce the time required to test each compressor” and that some inspectors continue to use the shortcuts even after the accident (Nkomo, Fottler, McAfee, pg. 254). The company should have taken disciplinary actions towards those who were using the shortcuts. Also, where were the supervisors? If taking shortcuts can cause the compressors to explode, should there not be a final inspection of the initial inspection or a secondary procedure to protect the employees and the company?
Whether or not Belcher is found guilty or innocent, the company should be taking disciplinary precautions to avoid more incidents, further injuries and court appearances/costs occur. OSHA requires that employers must develop a training program specific to the type of equipment and working conditions encountered. Employers must also evaluate the employee’s performance in the workplace, which in Belcher’s case, may not be happening as often as necessary. Organizations should monitor and evaluate their safety efforts (Mathis & Jackson, pg. 486). Safety efforts being audited periodically, unannounced, should keep the employees and supervisors on their toes. It also helps measure the progress of safety management (Mathis & Jackson, pg. 486). Another recommendation may be to apply incentive pay for thoroughness or complete work for quality and quantity vs. just quantity. Any method of the “double checking” or auditing method may be very helpful to avoid future injuries and deaths.
Reference:
Mathis, R. & Jackson, J. (2011) Human Resource Management. (13th ed.).Cincinnati, OH: South-Western.
Nkomo, S., Fottler, M, & McAfee, R. (2011). Human Resource Management Applications: Cases, Exercises,