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Need Help with a problem

10/17/18       
John Skip Moore Member

I am working for a shop That is unsafe.
He is a good person but will not spend the money to fix things.
Sliding table saw has its switch open and clamped on the side reversed and turned on with a clamp.
Some of the outlets are not grounded.
etc etc
How do I diplomatic get him to fix things .
I owned my own shop and would never even think of having my employees being subject to this.
I have talked to him about the what could happen .
Thanks for the help in Advance

10/17/18       #2: Need Help with a problem ...
Family Man

Several options I'd think-
Quit
Turn him into authorities
Get other employees to speak to him also

But what I'd do is offer to come in on a weekend and fix things if he will supply the materials. I think that is your best option if in other aspects he is a good boss. I personally wouldn't do the second option, but I understand there are circumstances that do require that on occasion.
Good luck

10/17/18       #3: Need Help with a problem ...
Charles

You mentioned some dangerous issues regarding the electrical in the shop. This is my gut reaction.

You said that you have talked to him about what could happen. What did he say? From your post, I gather that he does not want to spend money to fix things and nothing will change. I would find a new place to work before I was the one who was electrocuted from the faulty equipment. I also do not want to ever watch someone else being zapped.

If it were me, my family needs me alive more than he needs me to work there. Sorry to be blunt. Some safety issues are just not acceptable. Life is short enough. No need to risk it being even shorter.

PS: If he is a "good person" then he would not risk the lives of the people who work for him.

Whether or not you want to try to educate him is up to you. Obviously I do not know all of the dynamics of the situation. This is just my opinion based on what you posted and my personal feelings. Good luck!

10/18/18       #4: Need Help with a problem ...
Ryan

I wouldn't work in a place that wasn't safe. My life matters more to my family that the pay check does. If you have owned your own shop you have experience and with the job market now you shouldn't have hard time finding another job. Even if you have to take a slight pay cut.

I am 100% making assumptions here but I bet if he won't spend money to fix things he is also not spending money to advance or grow the shop. What kind of new machinery is in place? Are you running a CNC router or a edge bander? If he isn't making advancements in the shop and or trying to grow the business, you personally don't have a lot of room to grow. Our employees know that our shop is growing even after 35 years. As the shop grows and makes more money then they do also. I have a couple of guys who are on track to come into the office and do design work as the business grows to the point that it is needed and we are getting close to at least having one of them spend part time in the shop and part in the office. If I were you I wouldn't want to work in a place that wasn't going anywhere.

10/18/18       #5: Need Help with a problem ...
John Skip Moore Member

Thanks for responding everyone.
I am going to try this first, I bought a new switch for the saw and a few other things.
I will see what he does.
He did give me a job when others just took advantage of my age not judging me on what I did (meaning speed, quality and completing the job on time. Just saw me as an old man (64)
Thanks again and if you I could keep you informed.

10/18/18       #6: Need Help with a problem ...
chipbored

Good on you for being pro-active with safety.

Without knowing all the factors. Your safety and that of others is PARAMOUNT and needs to be addressed ASAP.

You have attempted to address it already in a diplomatic way. It sounds like it's time for a difficult conversation and an ultimatum. Safety or I go.

What about if you said that if he gave you 2-3 hours a week to address safety you would throw in 1 hour overtime free to dedicate to safety improvement until the shop is at an acceptable safety standard.
You could write up a plan and address the most dangerous things immediately.

Maybe a couple of workmates would do the same and you would have it sorted in no time.

If he isn't open to something like that I would leave and find someone who respects your dedication and livelihood.

10/24/18       #7: Need Help with a problem ...
Karel

Being a business owner I can understand that if everyone in the shop is eating ramin to let this go but just long enough to get enough money to get these safety items fixed. This should be first priority. Yes I do have to admit I and am sure a few of the other readers have been there too but not willingly. Sometimes these things fall through the cracks in running the business day to day but you have made the owner aware so he should take the steps to rectify the situation The comments here of people volunteering your time I feel are way off base. My responsibility as an employer is to ensure a safe work place and pay for time served. You are truly a gentleman and conscientious employee if you will spend from your own pocket to repair your bosses machines. I do hope you are reimbursed for your trouble.
You are sort of committed to do some of the electrical repairs but volunteer to do them during working hours not your own time. Sorry you have experienced age discrimination sometimes its strange that owners see things that way. I sure wish I was as young as you again.
best of luck
Karel

10/24/18       #8: Need Help with a problem ...
John Skip Moore Member

Well I tried, He did nothing about fixing the unsafe electric or anything else. What he did do was laugh. Yes he says he has a money problem so I was working at a very low rate so he could catch up. All I asked was the fix the major things. 220 3 phase switch Open to workers and myself. No heat, Very few lights were working.
I asked him if I could bring in an electrican
(My son to fix the elec problems and he said no .
So I had no choice but leave. Only can beat a dead horse for a period of time.
Thanks for the good edvice
Skip

10/24/18       #9: Need Help with a problem ...
David R Sochar  Member

The Two Truths of Interpersonal Relationships:
1. People will not change
2. People around them will not stop trying to change them.

Your boss will not change unless forced, then he will make those around him miserable. Your only choice is to leave. Just do so on your terms.

I have had some bad bosses. One was committed - could not work because his family had him treated for 'nervous breakdown'. Another went to jail for price fixing. Most were racist.

You should document everything you can in writing. Then take pictures of violations. When the boss sees you taking photos, he will probably fire you then.

When you go to collect unemployment (it is your money!), if they balk, show photos and written list of problems. If he appeals, stand your ground.

10/24/18       #10: Need Help with a problem ...
Puzzleman Member

Hello Skip.

Don't know what part of the country you are in but if you are in the St Louis area, I would definitely like to see if you would like to join my team. I have one person working for me who is over 80.

314 524 4993
Ask for Jim

10/24/18       #11: Need Help with a problem ...
John Skip Moore Member

Hi Puzzleman, I live on long Island in about the center which is part on New York State.
It would be great but a very long commute.
I will keep looking I know there is a good shop here somewere
Take Care Skip


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