MODULE 2: ACCOUNTABILITY

Elements of an Effective Accountability System

Element 5. Appropriate Application of Consequences

Do consequences correspond with the severity of the infraction?

o Consequences should increase with the severity of the potential injury or illness that might result from the behavior.

If an employee is performing an unsafe work practice that could result in a fatal injury to himself or another employee, that certainly warrants a significant consequence such as suspension or termination. On the other hand, an employee who violates a safety rule that could only result in a minor injury, a lesser consequence, such as a verbal warning, is more likely appropriate.

o Consequences should increase with the level of responsibility of the person performing the behavior.

If an employee neglects to wear personal protective equipment, discipline may be in order. However, if a supervisor or manager neglects to wear the personal protective equipment, a more significant level of discipline may be appropriate. Why? Due to the fact the manager is legally an "an agent of the employer," the act of violating a safety rule has the effect of transforming a require rule into a voluntary guideline for employees. It effectively gives the employee the option to chose use/not use the PPE. The employer can't enforce guidelines, only mandatory policies and rules, so supervisor/manager noncompliance with safety rules might jeopardize the employer by increasing the likelihood of litigation should a serious injury or fatality occur.