for a small business payroll sheets , work duties etc.
Yes, picture it in 2d like a ball on a trampoline. The trampoline is space and the ball is distorting its fabric.
So the electrical currant will find its way to the ground,like the ground (negative) on your car battery,and the power source (positive) hook connect and complete the circuit.So when the rod gets struck it's grounded which prevents a fire.If you were touching the rod in the event it was struck,you would be the direct current to the ground (dirt) and later if it didn't kill you you would be buried in the ground.
Can they actually legally repromand me? Yes. Reprimands are not regulated by law. It is an issue between the employer and the employee.
