The Problem: The Case of the New Computers You have budgeted money to replace 20 of the computer terminals in your office. As the research is coming in, you notice that if you buy equipment which meets the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act) standards, the cost will be about $24,000 less than if you buy equipment which meets proposed standards which were put together by an industry wide group trying to reduce carpal tunnel and other work-related injuries. These proposed standards have not yet been adopted and there are rumblings on the "hill" that the President does not support the new standards. You don't know whether or not carpal tunnel syndrome is a problem for your company, but you are trying to make a good decision for your staff.

Be Responsible

1. Choose an Option Select one option to implement within your Division:

Buy computers which meet existing standards.

Buy computers which match the new, stricter standards.

Survey the employees. Replace computers at the higher standards for people who have a history of problems with carpal tunnel syndrome or other problems which the new standards will address. For the rest, replace computers with those which match industry standards.

2. Explain Your Decision Using the guidelines for how to develop a memo, develop a memo to be shared with the rest of the leadership team which explains your decision.