Driving Disciplinary at work - HELP!

garyandlynn

A friend at work is having a disciplinary after driving into the back of a car in his works van. It was a minor bump. But our boss is determined to make an example of him with a written warning.
Can they do this?

London50

I can see no reason why not, as a driver your friend should have been aware of everything around the vehicle they were in. It is a good job it was "only" a car and a "minor" bump as it could have been a person, then it IMO would not be a written warning but dismissal and a chance of being sued by the person they injured.

C_Mababejive

Employers can do what they like unless someone has the knowledge and b&lls to oppose them. Why did he run into the back of the car?

xapprenticex

Your friend (or you) should face a disciplinary. Bet it doesn't happen again too.

motorguy

Does company policy state that having an accident in a works van is a disciplanary offence?

Also if the boss is determined to make an example of him and give him a written warning, it sounds like a predetermined outcome and thus doesnt sound like a terribly fair and objective process?

Assuming of course it was a one off accident on an unblemished record and he didnt just do it for !!!!!! and giggles.

London50

As we can only go on the information supplied no one knows if "the friend" has any other situation prior to the "minor bump" and what way it happened {ie fooling about} as that COULD be a factor yet I doubt if anyone on here will get the full story :0(

Andy_L

How long has your friend worked there?

theoretica

You seldom 'make an example of' someone if it is the first time something has ever happened - have there been lots of little accidents? If work has a problem with driving carelessness then that needs to be changed, and this is how they have chosen to do it.

TBagpuss

If it is a works van then presumably the employer can argue that it is a disciplinary matter, either on the basis that it reflects badly on the company to have done something like this in public or (or and!) on the basis that a rear end shunt would normally imply negligence by the driver, so he has been negligent in his work capacity.

It's also possible, as others have said, that there have been other issues, so the employer wants to deal firmly with this incident. Your friend will have the opportunity to put forward their side of things at the meeting he has with his employer.

TELLIT01

If you drive into the back of another vehicle the default position is that it's your fault. On that basis disciplinary action is not unreasonable. If your friend can show that the vehicle in front braked suddenly for no obvious reason he may have some defence.

dadtobe

How do you know they will issue him with a written warning? It can be a disciplinary issue, is there a company car or driving policy at work?

If he does get a written warning he will be able to appeal against but one would assume the employer has a dash cam or witness statements.