Direct Report Injured at work then Sacked.

Cotta wrote: »

5. Outlined that cleaning windows is part of any office administration role and is covered under ad hoc tasks.

:rotfl: Well, I've been doing office admin for over 40 years, and not once has anyone suggested that cleaning windows is part of my job!

I have, very occasionally, been on a rota for vacuuming and emptying bins, but every time that's been necessary EVERYONE, including the managers, has also been on a rota. And it's only been while we look for a new cleaner!

The rota now is for filling, starting and emptying the dishwasher, emptying the kitchen bins, and wiping the kitchen surfaces over - everyone, including the managers, is on the rota for this.

Cotta wrote: »

My role at the moment is to look for a better employer.

Good call! How long have you been there?

Cotta wrote: »

I agree my boss has not behaved great, however isn't a broken bone at work always a possibility without the employer being to blame.

There may be some contributory negligence in some workplace injuries, including in this case, because we're all responsible for health and safety. But again, in 40 years of working in an office, I have never known anyone break a bone at work.

JayRitchie wrote: »

Dunno - perhaps the courts can decide?

Was a RIDDOR reported?
Was a risk assessment conducted?
Appropriate health and safety training?
Does your company have proper procedures?

Don't know about you, but I'm anticipating the answers to those to be No, No, No and No.

I'm joining the ranks of "I hope they throw the book at him".

If the injured party has employed a lawyer/solicitor (I alwaysget mixed up) that has at least a tiny understanding of the laws around these issues then your boss "could" be looking at huge payouts lol. Couple that with the fact that the former employee has almost a "duty" to report all of this to the HSE.....oh dear oh dear.
Remember ignorance of the law is NOT a valid defence.

Cotta wrote: »

Hi All,

A office administrator who reports directly to me a few months ago was told by my boss she had to perform some cleaning duties including high ledge windows, from what I understand she was not given a ladder which was required for the job. The girl in question subsequently fell and broke her arm, my boss was unperturbed about this and the girl was not allowed time off to recuperate with the exception of two half days for hospital appointments which she was signed out for (not sure if she was paid). This week her plaster was removed and yesterday she was subsequently called into the office and sacked by my boss being deemed "unsuitable"; she was here around six months. She has now went to her solicitor about the injury who has made contact with us, I personally feel I am not responsible for any of this and my name should not be involved in the case. Apparently our case has been made worse from not allowing her paid time off and dismissing her the week her plaster was removed. My boss has said not to worry as nothing will come from this and she has no case, however should I be concerned my name is being used at all?

Thanks in advance

I hope the incident was reported to the HSE.


http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/reportable-incidents.htm