thread: Ethical dilemma - wwyd if someone you knew was breaking the law through ignorance?

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  1. #1
    Registered User

    Jul 2009
    Ormeau
    1,028

    Definitely definitely say something.

    My dad is a builder and he has always spoken to me about the dangers of dodgy work. What if he leaves a wire exposed and a child gets electrocuted? A dodgy railing and a child falls 2 storeys. It's not just money for yourself and others you have to think of. There are so many bad things that could happen if this man is obviously careless in his work.

    I would go anonymous like you said, but I think you would feel awful if you found out something terrible happened and you could have said something. If you're friend is a true friend then be there for her through whatever follows, but make sure you do what you know is right

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Jul 2009
    Riding it out...
    4,959

    Doesn't sound like ignorance to me, Not now that you've described his website. Sounds completely intentional

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Feb 2008
    Melbourne
    1,021

    I used to work in insurance for the building industry and it would be very strange for this to be through ignorance. The building industry is highly regulated with requirements for continuing education. I strongly suspect this is intentional and would encourage you to tell the building commission.

    Janie xxx

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Apr 2006
    Perth
    4,203

    I think if the best you can say about your friend is that you have a civil relationship, and you are out of pocket because of her husband's work then I think you should make a formal complaint and apply for compensation. I agree with the others in that the chance of him having acted in ignorance are pretty slim. We have the Builders Registration Board here where you take complaints - I'm guessing there is something similar in your state. If what he has done on your house isn't up to spec then you may have issues if you want to sell your house down the track, so its worth getting it sorted out properly now - and not at your expense!

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Mar 2007
    424

    We have the Builders Registration Board here where you take complaints - I'm guessing there is something similar in your state. If what he has done on your house isn't up to spec then you may have issues if you want to sell your house down the track, so its worth getting it sorted out properly now - and not at your expense!
    Yes, I have already contacted the relevant authorities without naming any names before Christmas.

    If you do decide to report anonymously, keep it quiet cos you don't want to get found out.
    Of course. Will also not keep my posts up here too long so as not to trace it back to me -
    Last edited by ticklish; January 10th, 2012 at 03:15 PM.

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Sep 2007
    Brisbane
    5,729

    I would also be seeking compensation for however much you were out of pocket... friends don't do that to other friends.