This is why rules are often not enough to create a desired outcome. Beaurocracy fails when it doesn't account for human motivation.
In this case, the best option would be to involve management or HR, or even facilities management in the positive step of buying a better coffee maker for the office. Failing to provide access to safely brewed good coffee was the bug here.
I completely agree that the incompetence of the organization was greater than the carelessness of my coworker. Regardless, he should not have plugged in a heating element without a switch.
In this case, the best option would be to involve management or HR, or even facilities management in the positive step of buying a better coffee maker for the office. Failing to provide access to safely brewed good coffee was the bug here.