I was at a social gathering the other day, an afternoon dinner and concert. It was very nice. It took place at what had once been a wealthy family's mansion that had been constructed in 1912.
As I walked from the main entrance toward the dining area, I nearly had a fall down a single step that I didn't see coming. The step was a transition between two different floor levels and it was virtually invisible in the direction from which I approached. I wrenched my back a little, but fortunately for me, nothing lasting seems to have happened. I can still walk about normally.
The step-down situation looked like this:
Later, I e-mailed the owners of the facility about what had happened and why. Part of the reply I got back was this:
"I appreciate your very detailed letter, photos and concern for the well-being of others. Unfortunately, Xxxxxxx Xxxx was built in 1912 as a private residence, long before safety conditions were a concern."
The reply goes on to describe some nominal, but in my view inadequate, attention to safety issues that the owners have taken. However, my position is that even if the building is over a century old, safety issues should be paramount. In this case, simply putting out "STEP DOWN" signs would be a positive step. (No pun intended.)
I am reminded of my son's college dormitory in Boston which was constructed in 1865. That building had dangerous wiring dating from its electrification back in 1920. According to one Boston official with whom I conversed back then, that building was "grandfathered" into immunity from later safety requirements.
For that story, please see:
http://licn.typepad.com/my_weblog/2012/12/grandfathering-john-dunn-consultant-ambertec-pe-pc.html
I certainly hope that having received and acknowledged my message, that the owners of the facility where this recent incident occurred will take measures to correct the safety hazard.
Maybe next year, I'll find out.
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