A cosmetics factory exploded today, injuring 35 people, no-one reported dead at this point but one missing. Not terrorism, but the factory had been cited for safety violations. Sounds so third world, eh?
Anyway, the story reads "the company agreed to pay $41,000 in fines" for it's safety violations. What does that mean, "agreed to pay"? I'm trying to imagine the conversation:
Safety guy: So you know - you guys have some problems here, got flammable stuff mishandled here, you aren't providing proper respirator protection or safety routes. Gonna have to assess you some fines.
Company guy: Fines? Well, you know ... we don't want to pay too much, we have a business to run and we do our good deeds giving all these people jobs.
Safety guy: Yeah, man I get it. So what do you think is fair? $100,000? People's life are at risk you know.
Company guy: Well, I don't know. That seems high. Tell you what, let me check with the numbers guys - they're just tallying up the shareholder dividends and exec bonuses, see what's left over. (quick phone call) How about $30,000?
Safety guy: Nah, too low. Gotta go at least $75,000. We have to look like we're doing our job here, else the public gets really upset.
Company guy: I understand, but you know $75,000, that's going to affect our shareholders and principals. And truth be told, we really wouldn't have to pay anything, would just have to put a call into Senator Joe Blow, and you know he hates regulations, he'll just put a call into your boss. Can you offer something lower?
Safety guy: Hmmmm. (scratches his head, looks at his list, does some figuring) ... $41,000?
Company guy: All right, we can do $41,000. Nice doing business with you.
(Handshake)
So kaboom. Wonder if the lawyers are lining up yet, and how many millions this company is going to pay out especially if the missing employee didn't survive?
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/explosions-reported-upstate-ny-cosmetics-factory-51278866