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Suggested resignation

7 replies

MrsPussinBoots · 29/01/2019 18:53

This is about my friend so I don't have all the information, but any guidance would be helpful.

He has been with his employer for nearly 4 years (UK) doing a manual sort of job including welding in a factory. It was a new factory. Over the past year DF has got increasingly unwell. Started with stomach issues. Then rashes. Then hands shaking. As symptoms lessen when he's off work he believes that small work faults are to blame. After the employer refused to sort an external H&S check, someone else reported anonymously to the health and safety executive who came.

Apparently all sorts of faults were found and they have a month to sort them all, including replacing a flammable floor! It'll be massively expensive.

In the meantime DF has been seen by various hospital consultants. He's got some sort of metal poisoning, hearing issues caused by bad ear defenders and RSI plus other things. The employer are paying for private treatment for some of these.

DF is finding this all very stressful which makes some of the issues worse. He's had a lot of time off sick with sick notes. Sometimes work send him home too. They have now suggested it'll be better for him if he resigns. His manager is not helpful and doesn't agree that the workplace is to blame. Today DF spent 6 hours doing the same repetitive motion because manager wouldn't let him do anything else. He could barely drive home but didn't feel up to another argument with manager. Higher bosses know what's going on.

Sorry for the essay. Mumsnet has been so helpful to me, I wondered if anyone had any advice I could pass on. There's no union and it's a small team. When he feels well (and manager is off) he actually loves the job.

OP posts:
BritInUS1 · 29/01/2019 18:58

He needs to call ACAS and take proper advice on this.

If they are paying for private treatment for him it would suggest they know the issues are related to his work.

Bombardier25966 · 29/01/2019 18:59

Do you mean he is not a union member? It's up to individuals to join, although they're unlikely to take on a case that has started before he joins.

He needs to speak to a solicitor (not ACAS, this is far too complex). And for his next employment, he needs to join a union from day one.

Evalina · 29/01/2019 19:09

He should hold off resigning until he's taken some legal advice. It would be worth him speaking to a no win no fee personal injury firm who will be advise him what to do.

User1011 · 30/01/2019 18:28

Does he think the welding is to blame?
Is he welding bare metal or is he welding painted or galvanised parts?
Does the welding area have an extractor?
What are the other processes he does? Metal plating?

Autumnchill · 30/01/2019 18:46

I work in Construction and deal with work related injuries. First thing tomorrow, he rings a solicitor and makes a meeting.

If he's welding, how are the fumes removed as they are noxious, Is he provided with any RPE (respiratory protective equipment). He needs to start a diary of equipment use and time spent using it as it sounds like he's got HAVS / White Finger.

He shouldn't resign as medical cover will cease so he needs legal advice ASAP. Pointless joining a union now as he wouldn't be covered but if this came across my desk, we would be instructing settle on best terms. I hope his health improves.

HisBetterHalf · 30/01/2019 19:41

He also needs to be aware of risk assessments for the area or the task. This is a statutory requirement. If there are no risk assessments the company is liable, if the control measures in the risk assessments aren't provided the company is liable. If he himself is not following the risk assessment then he is liable or has an element of contributory negligence. However if the HSE has been to site I would assume they have validated all of this. Do not resign

MrsPussinBoots · 04/02/2019 15:40

Thank you. I have passed on all your messages and will try to get some more information next time we meet up. He definitely isn't resigning.

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