Direct Report Injured at work then Sacked.

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.

Perhaps.


If you can show that there were safe ways of working. That risk assessments were done. That the person had the right training for working at height. That the injury was properly recorded and reported. ...

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

The HSE say ...



The purpose of The Work at Height Regulations 2005 is to prevent death and injury caused by a fall from height. If you are an employer or you control work at height (for example facilities managers or building owners who may contract others to work at height) the Regulations apply to you.



Employers and those in control of any work at height activity must make sure work is properly planned, supervised and carried out by competent people. This includes using the right type of equipment for working at height. Low-risk, relatively straightforward tasks will require less effort when it comes to planning.



Employers and those in control must first assess the risks.



Employees have general legal duties to take reasonable care of themselves and others who may be affected by their actions, and to co-operate with their employer to enable their health and safety duties and requirements to be complied with.


HSE have produced guidance to help you comply with the law, see Working at height: A brief guide for more information.

I'm sure I just heard drawers and filing cabinets being opened in a frantic and pointless search for getting away with it paperwork.

This very scenario illustrates why professional cleaning firms exist.