I guess you could label this situation as being in a really heavy rock and a really heavy hard place. I've only held the position that I am at for a year and I am up for promotion in a month. I'd hate to ruin my job but at the same time I don't know what my co-worker is going through. I think I'm going to go in tomorrow giving the guy a chance. However, if he does this again consider it over and reported. We'll have a talk tomorrow, but I can't put my job on the line either. Thanks guys for your help.

 

Like I said earlier, good luck. If you can sleep with your decision, so can I. :sleep:

You need to go with your heart and responsibility to yourself and co-worker's. This is a larger accident waiting to happen you can not wait and must do something now. Beechwood Fan is right this is like a gunpowder keg ready to go off. You owe it to yourself to protect everyone and including yourself. Don't put the blame on your shoulder's, yes it will hurt at first however in the long run you will be helping other's. Good luck and I will support you in your decission. JD

I would confront him directly, and privately, at work tomorrow.

 

Tell him in no uncertain terms that he has used up his one chance to mess up. Be direct and firm and back up your position with all the sensible reasons outlined above. Make sure he understands first and foremost that you will report him the next time he shows even the hint of any type of use on the job and be prepared to back up your threat.

 

If he gives you any static or is uncooperative in any way, report him.

 

If he is cooperative, and after he understands your position clearly, then and only then if you want to listen to his problems or offer him help in getting help, that is up to you. But you have to remain firm in your committment and don't let him take advantage of your friendship or misjudge it and think it will cause you to look the other way. There is simply just too much at stake.

 

Good Advice:thumb:

I understand how important promotions are and money, but responsibility to yourself, coworkers, and company should come first. Do the Right Thing........easier said than done in many situations.

We operate somewhat heavy equipment (Bobcats mainly) on this job. However, the job just depends on what we are on (enviromental cleanup crew). He was fine coming into work, but after the first break he was stumbling and slurring his words. That's when he admitted to me that he was drinking and I told him to go home. I told the boss that he didn't feel good and that he went home. I would like to keep it between me and him, but if this is a repeating pattern I'm not sure if I could put up with it.

If you're working as a Sub or General Contractor, often the specifications have such clauses in them, which strictly prohibit this type of conduct.

 

Also, if a Contractor and an accident occurred, your Workers Compensation rate, would skyrocket if not be dropped by your carrier. If you take no action and an accident occurs, that is legal issues. If he leaves the site and an accident occurs, again legal issues.

 

If you're his Supervisor, send him home and write him up. If not, talk with him and see his reason, then discuss with the Supervisor. In no way, shape form or fashion, does alcohol and operating equipment jive.

I would confront him directly, and privately, at work tomorrow.

 

Tell him in no uncertain terms that he has used up his one chance to mess up. Be direct and firm and back up your position with all the sensible reasons outlined above. Make sure he understands first and foremost that you will report him the next time he shows even the hint of any type of use on the job and be prepared to back up your threat.

 

If he gives you any static or is uncooperative in any way, report him.

 

If he is cooperative, and after he understands your position clearly, then and only then if you want to listen to his problems or offer him help in getting help, that is up to you. But you have to remain firm in your committment and don't let him take advantage of your friendship or misjudge it and think it will cause you to look the other way. There is simply just too much at stake.

 

Probably the best advice. :thumb:

 

However, LC, one thing that you mentioned stuck out to me. You mentioned that he had a family...so does most of your co-workers. Though this guy left after the drinking, but before coming back to operate any equipment, there might be a little leeway. However, if the guy had touched one piece of equipment and caused the death or injury of one of your sober co-workers, then that would be a shame. Just because a guy has a family, doesn't excuse him from repercussions of his actions and how they could effect you and your other co-workers (and families!). Just think about that next time.

It is really a shame that people have such a problem and bring it to work, IMO he does not need to be working with at this job. And because of his family he needs some help and like others have said most companies have this in their insurance. Please talk to him and someone else you can trust.

A close family member was badly injured by a drunk on the job over 25 years ago. People knew the coworker was drinking at lunch but nobody said anything about it. It ruined several people's lives but the person responsible never was disciplined. Report it. Don't wait.

We operate somewhat heavy equipment (Bobcats mainly) on this job. However, the job just depends on what we are on (enviromental cleanup crew). He was fine coming into work, but after the first break he was stumbling and slurring his words. That's when he admitted to me that he was drinking and I told him to go home. I told the boss that he didn't feel good and that he went home. I would like to keep it between me and him, but if this is a repeating pattern I'm not sure if I could put up with it.

 

If it is a repeating pattern and you help him hide it, you could and probably should be fired along with him.

 

One time, do as you did, counsel and make it clear to him you will not cover for him again as you will not put your job at risk for him. But after work, you will be able to help him with whatever problem that is causing him to feel the need to drink during the workday.

Let us know how this turns out.

We told him to go home early today. Told him that he used up his one mistake and that next time it will not be tolerated. Said, "I don't know what your problems are nor do I need to know them. We covered for you this one time and this will be the last time too. You need to come back to work on Monday with your head screwed on straight."

 

I was actually happy with the outcome. No confrontation or hard feelings being shown on either side and I think I got my message across. So hopefully this problem is resolved and never happens again.

You made a sound and just decision.

Good deal, LC. I hope it works out.

 

I hate confrontations at work, they can really suck the life out of a job if they don't get resolved. Hopefully your talk will be an eye opener for him.

 

Now you have to be mentally prepared to stick to your guns if he ever gives you any reason to suspect him in the future. If that happens, you have to report him for the common good of everyone involved.

We told him to go home early today. Told him that he used up his one mistake and that next time it will not be tolerated. Said, "I don't know what your problems are nor do I need to know them. We covered for you this one time and this will be the last time too. You need to come back to work on Monday with your head screwed on straight."

 

I was actually happy with the outcome. No confrontation or hard feelings being shown on either side and I think I got my message across. So hopefully this problem is resolved and never happens again.

I think you did the right thing. If it should happen again, don't give him a second chance, not that I think you would.

]We [/b]told him to go home early today. Told him that he used up his one mistake and that next time it will not be tolerated. Said, "I don't know what your problems are nor do I need to know them. We covered for you this one time and this will be the last time too. You need to come back to work on Monday with your head screwed on straight."

 

I was actually happy with the outcome. No confrontation or hard feelings being shown on either side and I think I got my message across. So hopefully this problem is resolved and never happens again.

 

 

When you say "we", does this mean you involved a supervisor?

You did good young man.