Real-Life Decision Making -- Solution
You send the shipment out as it is so you can meet the deadline.
"OK," you say to yourself. "I will send the shipment as it is. Nothing
will go wrong. The regulations are too strict anyway. And this way, Johnson
Supplies Inc. will be happy and they won't complain to my supervisor
that the order didn't arrive on time."
The delivery is made, and just as you thought, nothing bad happened. There
were no explosions, no leaks, no fires, and the customer was pleased to receive
its order on time.
However, the shipper-receiver that accepted delivery at Johnson noticed
the problem with the propane tanks. She phoned you to let you know that the
tanks had not been transported safely. When you told your supervisor about
the incident, your supervisor was very displeased.
"If the truck had been in an accident, there could have been a terrible
explosion. People could have died. Not only that, our company may have been
subject to legal proceedings. Also, insurance would not have covered any expenses
if we were shown to be in the wrong for not handling the hazardous substance
according to law. You must never take such risks again."
Your supervisor begins watching you more closely, as he now wonders whether
he can trust you to exercise good judgment.
"You must always handle hazardous substances according to regulations,"
says Joe Chand.