What would you do

[Widget]

With so many BYC members available to answer I figured I would ask one of those life issue type of questions. One of my co-workers is more likely than not an alcoholic. He regularly comes to work under the influence. To make matters worse he drives heavy machinery almost daily. This is one of those situations where pretty much everyone knows he has a problem but no one wants to be the one to put their neck out to do something about it. Except me. I've gone to my supervisor. Was assured that something would be done. That was at least three months ago. Nothing happened. So do I continue up the chain of command? Or let the local police department know that there is a drunk driver in the area? I don't want the guy fired. He is well liked and a good worker. But at the same time I don't want him to kill some innocent person. I know alcoholism is a disease and without help he won't stop until something tragic happens. And if it happens at work then OSHA would be all over us causing even more problems.

 

[Camelot Farms]

IMHO, I would make one more report to the supervisor and if you see no change then I would move up the line of command.

This is a simple case of safety...operating equipment under the influence is an accident waiting to happen.

You may also go to your HR person, if you have one and speak to them about the situation.

There may be something in the works with this fellow but because of confidentiality, you wont know about it.

Be the squeaky wheel....the grease may be the help he needs.

Good luck to you and to him.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

go to HR that is what they are there for.

 

[JenEric Farms]

HR is definately the way to go. They will be more likely to address the issue in a politically correct way, plus they can offer him/her different options that may be covered by your company's insurance plan. By law they can't fire him/her on hearsay (they would have a huge lawsuit on their hands if they did). They would have to have proof that he is operating while intoxicated.

 

[Widget]

Problem is HR knows about it. At least at our facility. I could go through the main office but that would give them ammo against the management where I work. The ol' boys network seems to be in effect. Since nothing has ever gone wrong they don't want to get involved.

 

[PoultryPedia]

I feel for ya. That's got to be hard! It's commendable that you're willing to face it, examine issues and options, and make conscious choices. Best wishes to you!
p.s. Al-Anon (group for family and friends of alcoholics) can be a good place to hear the perspectives of others in similar situations.

 

[big greg barker]

You are in an unenviable position. I was there once myself.You don't say how big the company is, but you did say multiple facilities.
If HR already knows about him, maybe you should go right to the top. This guy may be a nice guy and a good worker, but if he kills somebody while operating this equipment, that won't matter.
Before you go to the boss, make sure you can name specific times he is under the influence. Make sure that when you can tell him the time you talked to your supervisor about the guy. Date and time if you can remember. You need to cover your bases.
You are going to feel like a turd pushing this, but it is the right thing to do. Just make sure you can cover your own butt, especially if the good ole boy network is alive and well in your workplace.
Good luck,