Maintenance, Repair & Operations

Unsafe Conditions in Your Facility, Part 5

April 21, 2020

Reasons why dangerous work situations may not be remedied

It can be very frustrating when unsafe conditions are reported but not corrected. It can seem as if management doesn’t care, but that is rarely the case these days. Some other explanations for why the condition was not corrected may include:

The wrong condition is reported. Oil at the base of Machine X was reported, oil pigs were laid down, and then later removed. The oil returns. The actual condition was a leak at Machine X.
The report is unclear. Inadequate lighting at MCC was reported. Management noticed flickering incandescent lamps and had them replaced. Instead, it should have been reported that the light is not bright enough at the work surfaces.
A solution is not offered. In the previous case, suggest a lighting study be performed, or ask that X lights be installed at Y locations.
The report is not made through proper channels. You tell your supervisor “They need to stop placing boxes in front of the switchgear.” Your supervisor agrees with you, and that’s the end of it. Instead, use the formal safety suggestion process. Simply griping, even if to your supervisor, is not effective.

About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.