I have experienced this a few times. In the real world (that is the academic real world), principal investigators that bring fame and lots of money to universities can do whatever they want. After an incident is when you can change their behavior but good luck before that. The one case, the PI never stepped foot into the lab where an incident occurred because the rules were not being followed. The Dean finally gave him an ultimatum.

I am not suggesting you don't try or that you should not try, but I hope you are far enough up the pecking order to have some influence.

I also want to say that stubborn and unsafe PIs are not the routine. They are a rarity. I also recommend getting someone outside the hallowed halls to provide a written report to the Dean that puts pressure on him/her to make sure their star performs within the rules that apply to all the others.

My two cents--.

Zack

Hi:

I believe you need to change the behavior of this researcher/PI; unsafe to safe behavior.  It can be difficult, nevertheless possible.

Good luck.

Tilak

Tilak Chandra, Ph.D.

Chemical Safety Specialist

UW-Madison

tilak.chandra**At_Symbol_Here**wisc.edu

Ph. 608-890-0255

       608-622-9761 (Cell)

"--our job in safety is to make the task happen, SAFELY; not to interfere with the work-" Neal Langerman

Good afternoon all!

 

I know as safety professionals we've all faced some very interesting situations, but I was curious as to everyone's thoughts on a situation similar to the one below. 

 

How did you approach the situation?  What did you try that worked?  What did you try that maybe didn't work as well as you had hoped? Maybe the problem wasn't completely solved but it improved? Did you have to reach out for assistance?  I know we all have different environments and experiences and it's these differences that make our shared experiences invaluable.

 

Situation:

 

A renowned researcher is bringing in large sums of funding and greatly adding to the prestige of a facility/institution.  This individual, however, has repeatedly demonstrated a disregard for safety. Others in the group are aware of this but are reluctant to comment.  They wonder how/why this individual can continue operating in this manner.

 

Thanks so much for your thoughts! 

 

Regards,

Tiffany

 

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

 

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