Reader Forum – 2002-08-08 – 2002-08-08

Be clear and consistent with theft policy

This is in regards to the Human Side of Engineering story in the June issue “Are stealing and petty theft synonymous?” There are some serious implications. First of all, of course, that was first time caught, not the first time stealing. How much do you think was taken over a year? Be sure to include indirect costs, such as shipping, labor to stock, etc.

But the big issue is that Mr. Bell is driving the wrong behavior. He is essentially saying it’s “not such a big deal.” Also, it is tough to be consistent in enforcing policy. What happens if another employee does it without quite as good of a work record? One thing that we all should do: We need to communicate where the company stands on these issues before they happen.

— Clay Summerlin

Supervisor’s words, actions don’t match

In the June Human Side of Engineering (“Accident reports must be mandatory”) Reiner says, “Well around here safety is a big deal.” Then why was the floor in such disrepair? Perhaps Childer needs to look at the “general duty clause” rather than 519.

— Allen H. Greulich

Key chain laser solution leads users astray

I, too, thought that I could use a key chain laser as an alignment tool (Simple Solutions, June 2002) only to find out that the laser may not be in the center of the key chain. The unit could hang crooked or not be plumb with the centerline of the key chain. Over 50 feet you could be not just inches but feet away from where you want. Use this tip with caution.

— Mark Massey

• In response to the “Long/short plumb bob,” many of the key chain lasers are not properly aligned for accurate measurements. I have seen errors as great as 3″ off center at 5 ft. You might want to check the alignment with a known reference before trying to use it as a plumb bob. Another solution might be to drop some water from the location to the floor to mark the spot.

— Sigmund Bergmann

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