Question

Paula works in the storage warehouse for Cool Clothes, a retail store. As she is using an electric stacker, a piece of machinery for stacking boxes, she notices that the mesh screen is torn. The screen keeps boxes from falling off the machine as they are placed onto shelves. The Cool Clothes safety manual states the following:

The company will perform routine checks on tools and equipment.
All equipment should be properly maintained.
Workers should immediately alert managers of any safety-related concerns.
Workers must wear hard hats and other needed protective gear in the warehouse.
According to safety protocols, what should be Paula’s next course of action?

She should attempt to fix the mesh screen on the electric stacker.
She should inspect all of the machines in the warehouse.
She should inform her manager of the problem with the equipment.
She should make sure to wear the proper safety gear while using the stacker.

Answer 1

She should inform her manager of the problem with the equipment.

Rationale: the manual requires workers to immediately alert managers of any safety‑related concerns and that equipment be properly maintained. She should not use or attempt unqualified repairs on the stacker; notify the manager/maintenance and tag the machine out of service until fixed.