Safety when it is convenient...

by Patrick
(Superior, Co.)

My ex employer was Lowes hardware in Westminster, Co. They have many dangerous pieces of machinery in the building. I was using a simple machine called a power stocker or electric ladder. During the first year of this machine being used in our store, there were no safety belts on the machine at all. The machine only goes up and down , no lateral movement. After a year, they added a safety belt with large signage on the machine to please use the belt. Six months in with the new belt, I forgot to wear the belt and was spotted by the store manager. I was fired a week later.

By the way, the ladder operates whether or not the belt is engaged. Lowes says they have rigid rules about safety. But, I don't recall being fired without warning as a result of misusing this unit. My habit of not needing a belt must have carried over to the machine with the cheesy retro fit belt now in use. Do I have a case??

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Sep 08, 2014
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I'm all about Safety First at work. In fact just the other day I almost got run over by a forklift at Lowes .. and there weren't any barriers, or forklift on the aisle when I got there.
by: Chris

Does Lowes have your initials, or a signature on a document saying you were properly trained and or informed on how to use the equipment after the cheesy safety belt was retro-fitted?

Frankly, I think there may be a better way to state your argument than the way you're heading with this: "I don't recall being fired without warning as a result of misusing this unit. My habit of not needing a belt must have carried over to the machine with the cheesy retro fit belt now in use."

What don't you recall exactly?

If I include the title for your question as being informative of your general direction and attitude you might actually sound a bit defensive to a hearing officer, which is never good when one is expected to prove points objectively and remain focused on rebutting intentional, neglectful, willful, or any kind of knowing misconduct happened.

No warnings? What's the safety policy about violations say exactly?

Are you trying to say this was a one time mistake make in good faith while performing your job, or are you telling me you used this machine so often the wrong way that for the last six months you've made a habit out of ignoring the retro-fitted belt you might of even been verbally warned about.

Details, details, details and meant to find out if you willingly made a one time mistake and unfortunately was seen making it and then fired for it a week later .. or if there is more to the story some Lowes manager is going to tell at the appeal hearing that you didn't share.

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