Do I really have to replace this?

[sallycroc]

Currently I'm working as a casual for a large corporate company. I'm working via an employment agency. What do people think of this following situation?

When I came in this morning � a lady on reception said that I left the heater on yesterday night. It was an accident � but I don't think I'm completely responsible.

I have to sit in a basement office � no heating. That is why there are fan heaters by each desk. To be honest the heater was so small I didn't even realise that it was on.

Anyway, the extension plug melted and so did a phone charger. Luckily somebody who stayed late noticed burning.

The lady who told me � said I will have to replace the extension plug and charger. I think this is unfair.

I think she was focusing on the fact that this could have been a lot worse.

The basement is not really designed as an office � there are a lot of messy plugs and wires under my desk. Which I have taken pictures off. The heater is small and dusty.

Do I really have to replace the plug and charger?

I hope they don't cut my pay!

Thanks.

Sally

[Ginger30]

Of course you shouldn't have to pay - that's ludicrous! I'm sure the dodgy basement set up would contravene health and safety laws. Plus - the heater shouldn't have melted the plug - it was obviously faulty. Plus - how can they prove that you left it on (or did you admit to that?) Are you a member of a union? Have you spoken to the agency?

[Ginger30]

And is the lady demanding the money the boss? does she have any authority? Maybe she's just scared she'll get the blame?

[sallycroc]

ginger you are right I didnt realise that the heater should not have melted the plug...

but she said something about the direction being on the plugs

although I have pictures of the tangle of wires.

She hasnt said much today - although I'm sure something will be said later.

I will keep you all informed.

Thanks,

xx

[benjiesmum]

I shouldn't think that you are liable. You are working for someone else and they should be responsible. OK, it was careless of you to leave it on but on the other hand had the equipment been electrically tested. Each item should have a small green sticker on giving the date of testing. Was this so? If not they are breaking the law. And all those wires trailing about the place could be deemed hazardous - I should mention Health and Safety to them. Finally, it was dealt with in a very poor way. A receptionist (presumably in a public place) should not be talking to you in this way - very unprofessional I would say.

[Fairie]

What a tight ****** she seems to be! working in the basement like that aint bad enough!! lol I wouldnt pay a thing, if they take it out of your pay insist you see a copy of health and safety inspection for the basement office!

[gasman]

I would ask to see a current and valid P.A.T. certificate for the heater For all you know it could have been faulty and it is you're employer's duty to keep portable appliances in a well maintained and good condition and also to train staff of there safe use. So if non of the above have been carried out and you had not been instructed as to its correct use then they cannot blame you. So turn it back on them and ask them to pay you for worry and stress and en-dangering you're life.

[maxi2]

gasman is spot-on. Check for "PAT testing" (a green and white sticker somewhere on the appliance). PAT stands for Portable Appliance Test and is a mandatory requirement in office/factory premises. It sounds as though the installation was faulty in some way. Anyway - the receptionist?!! Jumped up or what?