A real life
safety situation arose during a recent extreme weather event and a trader made
a decision to close their shop, but did they do the right thing?
This
occurred on a 38 degree Friday but it wasn’t the heat that was the problem, it
was the wind. Forty knot northerly winds were creating havoc with a trader’s
stall and the potential for injury from flying fittings and stock was very
real. The trader decided the situation was unsafe and closed for the day.
A fellow
trader was faced with a similar predicament and rang office staff to ask if he
could close. He was told that if he did close early it would be noted against
his record. His circumstances were not as dire and he decided to remain open
but take extra precautions to secure stock and fittings.
So, just who
should make the call here? Isn't the trader ultimately responsible if
something goes wrong? Should the trader be penalised if he has made a judgement
call? Should there be some discussion with management before taking action? Do
we need some guidelines?