A building owner tried to sweet-talk me past a safety rule

I was checking an elevator in a vintage apartment block. The owner showed me a worn cable and said it was 'still good for a few more years'... He offered to pay cash if I just signed off on it. I knew it was a risk, but the money was tempting. Ended up telling him no, but man, it was a tough call.

3 comments

3 Comments

derekwebb5d ago

Question how that owner would sleep at night if someone got hurt. Ever think about the lawsuits that would follow. That quick cash turns into massive fines and maybe even jail time. Why risk your license and reputation for a few bucks. Sounds like he’s done this before and will try it again with someone else.

eva_thompson5d ago

Ever wonder what happens to the guys who do say yes to that cash? My friend worked with a guy who signed off on a shady boiler to get paid under the table. The thing leaked carbon monoxide a few months later and two tenants got really sick. That quick payday ruined his whole career once it came out, he lost his license and got sued into the ground. Makes you realize that "tempting" money has a huge price tag. You definitely made the right call saying no.

grant.ryan5d ago

Honestly, I get why someone would take the cash... sometimes you're just in a tight spot. But man, that story is a worst case scenario for sure.