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Ecmweb 23687 Safety Gettyimages 118057922 Lisafx
Ecmweb 23687 Safety Gettyimages 118057922 Lisafx
Ecmweb 23687 Safety Gettyimages 118057922 Lisafx
Ecmweb 23687 Safety Gettyimages 118057922 Lisafx
Ecmweb 23687 Safety Gettyimages 118057922 Lisafx

How Do You Deal with an Unsafe Supervisor?

Feb. 1, 2019
A commitment to safety applies to everyone, even your boss.

We all want to please the boss. But sometimes, you just have to say no. Those times include when your boss asks you to do something that damages the environment, violates the law, or is unsafe.

Typically when a supervisor asks a subordinate to do something that is unsafe (or damages the environment or violates the law), it’s a matter of simple oversight or not having your more detailed knowledge of that particular job. Any good supervisor expects you to speak up and will be glad you did.

But what if you tell your supervisor the act is unsafe and your supervisor insists you proceed anyhow? Maybe your supervisor is tired or feeling time-pressured and so isn’t thinking clearly. Make that assumption, rather than leaping to the conclusion your supervisor doesn’t care if you are injured or killed. Or maybe you misread the situation and there isn’t actually a safety issue; ask your supervisor to explain.

If you disagree with the explanation, ask if the two of you can meet with another supervisor or the safety director. Try to work things out, just don’t compromise safety to do it.

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.

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