Accident at work!

Sarah69

Hi, 

My son has been employed for roughly 8/9 months by his current employer. Yesterday after getting off a forklift he somehow twisted his ankle and couldn’t walk. He was given an ice pack for his ankle and he rested it for half an hour but couldn’t walk or put any weight on it after this, so came home. It was written in the work accident book. His ankle swelled up later in the day. He went to work this morning with his ankle still hurting as he didn’t want to let his employer down but had to come home early. He has been told that if he rings in sick because of his ankle he will be sacked! Surely they cannot do this? Any advice appreciated. 

tacpot12

They don't need any reason to dismiss him if he hasn't worked there for two years. Given the employer's attitude, I would advise that your son focuses on making sure his ankle heals well. If his employer is going to sack him if the is sick, then his shouldn't be worrying about letting his employer down. I would advise him to call in sick if he needs to, and if he can't work a full shift, he shouldn't go in. 

He would have more protection if he had been disabled by the injury. Thankfully this has not happened. 

Your son should also have a think about how he managed to twist has ankle. He may just have been careless, but if the fortlift had been damaged and not repaired correctly and this left something projecting that his foot caught on, his employer could be liable for his injury, e.g. if the employer had been told about the problem and done nothing about it.

If he owns his own home, or lives as home with you, and the homeowner has home insurance, they may also have legal expneses cover. If they do, he can call the legal helpline for advice before he calls in sick. 

[Deleted User]

I suspect the employer may wish to avoid a RIDDOR report due to over 7 days incapacitation, this would involve reporting to the HSE and could bring consequences for the employer.
https://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/reportable-incidents.htm

To answer your last question, yes they can.