I've been dealing with injuries and deaths in all sorts of settings
and venues for 40 years. I have an on the job education in risk management.
I have seen hazards lying in wait for the multiple factors that always
come together for an injury or death. If I see something, if there is
a way to communicate the situation, I'll do that. I figure that is
part of my job. It may save someone from getting hurt or killed. The response
of the receiver of that information can be great or totally indifferent.
Most of my insight comes from the experience of having seen someone hurt
or killed in similar circumstances. So I feel it's a duty of sorts
to pass along my concerns.
A professional baseball team in Houston, shall remain unnamed, had a situation
arise back in the days of the domed stadium, that presented a real risk
of people dying of heat stroke. The factors: a huge walk up crowd; pre
Internet ticket sales; no shade, water or other way to get out of the
sun; ticket windows outside; a very hot day. I saw people on the verge
of passing out. I wrote a professional letter to the management; the management
responded with the changes they would make to address this situation;
they made those changes, and even tossed in some unrequested tickets in
the deal. Great response!
My vehicle had an airbag recall. Unfortunately this airbag has killed some
people, so it's not something to overlook. I called the dealer and
the dealer really made it difficult to do the recall fix, it would take
way to long, and they would not provide alternative transportation. I
contacted the manufacturer and professionally pointed out that the dealer's
response would discourage people from getting the airbag replaced, and
could end up killing someone. The dealer representative on the phone said
the same!! The manufacturer had someone call me promptly, called the dealer,
the recall was fixed in a matter of hours, and they manufacturer offered
complimentary alternative transportation. Great response!
I saw a local club with some really old barbed wire in total disrepair
that dropped down way to low on a Galveston sidewalk. I had a case where
a young man got seriously injured by razor wire that was at walking level,
so wire now catches my attention. I had to call the city on this one,
the fence is still in serious despair, but at least the low hanging barbed
wire was cut off. Middle of the road response!
A major Houston grocery chain for some reason had an unattended power saw
on the sidewalk in front of the store. I informed someone who appeared
to be in a management capacity and I got the mind your own business look.
Horrible response!!
Trip and fall hazards are everywhere. I've had mixed reactions to these
situations, but I'll still keep on trying to keep someone from being
a victim. People die from falls.
I think most corporate and industry folks are appreciative when someone
points out a hazard, so I'm going to keep on my "free" risk
management consulting business.