I think I've just whistleblown

[CamelofOpportunity]

We have had many near misses with this particular 'thing', though nobody has actually been hurt. I have tried and tried to get it fixed, been fobbed off with affirmations that came to nothing, bumped it up and up in my part of the organisation, until, finally, the boss said "No". But the danger remains.

I was trying to work out what I should do, when I bumped into the MD of the whole organisation at a social event outside work. He recognised me and came over to say hello. And I just grabbed the opportunity and explained the situation. I also proposed a practical solution, which he accepted and invited me to submit directly to him.

I know I haven't followed procedure. I know I have trodden on toes. The issue is easily resolvable and don't think anybody will be blamed for anything - except me. I know that people at my level, who have to deal with the dangerous situation, are very happy that it may finally be dealt with, but I also know that the people senior to me (very senior to me) are not happy with the way I dealt with it.

I feel quite sick.

Why shouldn't you have acted so?
Is your opinion less valuable than anyone else's??

I know I haven't followed procedure

Ok but then what did your “trying and trying” to get this resolved involve? Does your organisation have a formal process for logging near misses?

@Mamette

I know I haven't followed procedure

Ok but then what did your “trying and trying” to get this resolved involve? Does your organisation have a formal process for logging near misses?

That's one of the things I was trying to work out. Some of the near misses have been verbally reported, but so many just became normalised s part of our day-to-day working.

Well you've tried multiple times and have been ignored. If this "thing" is as dangerous as you say, you've told others higher up the chain and got no where then you going straight to the top is the least of their worries if something dangerous should happen. If they don't like it remind them that you've mentioned it multiple time to multiple people.

Even if you've not followed the correct procedure you have attempted to get this changed before. It was s safety issue, you've done the right thing. If people can't see that then what does that say about them. Try not to worry it came from a place of good intentions.

All that matters is the end result, which will deal with the problem. If the managers had done their job properly you wouldn't have needed to have resorted to the conversation. They're the ones responsible for ignoring the problem.

Are you aware that there is a charity which supports whistleblowers? I work in compliance and someone (from another organisation) asked for my help with an issue in their workplace. Google Protect

You’re in a better position than most whistle blowers as the MD is in agreement with you. There might be a few people who are pissed off but you can play it down as just a casual mention and the MD decided on the action to be taken.

So if its.life threatening dangerous and someone dies, who's neck will be on the block?

You're right.

But I feel sick about facing certain people tomorrow.

I also wish I could feel sure the action I proposed will be taken.

Good on you. How lovely for you to know the kind of person you are!

Totally understand why you feel sick - but good in you.