New boss... how to handle?

[pepperrabit]

I've just recently took over managing a small team.

In management I've never actually had to deal with any "push back" from employees as I'm generally quite laid back as a person but health and safety is where I am firm and unwavering.

So, in taking this new role I done what I thought was right and came in and listened rather than do what I wanted or "lay down the law".

However, I noticed a health and safety violation a few members of staff were doing, I stated the facts that this is not something that is tolerated, explained why this was the case and one is pushing back on it big time as previous management allowed it.

It's now been weeks since I asked for the situation to be rectified. There is no work arounds on this, it's simply a hazard and that is that.

How would you handle this?

I think it depends totally on what the issue is, I’m afraid - not sure people can really advise without that context. But also, generally are the team (and this individual) respectful and engaged? Is this an isolated issue?

I can't say without giving it away but could have implication's with external audits etc has said they just hide the issue on these occasions. Which simply isn't something I'm willing to tolerate. The clients we serve deserve to know these specific types of rules are followed.

The rest of the team are terrific and are excited to have a boss that wants to raise the standards.

From what I have been told and further more witnessed this one member of the team is a common trouble maker and has been getting away with it for years as previous management was intimidated by them.

I like the member of staff as a person but I really do not want this issue to end up forgotten about or me to be pestering them consistently.

In previous roles, this kind of thing would lead to them simply not being allowed to work or disciplinary action but the higher ups don't seem to have experienced this before.

Hi
I understand your position is difficult but you need to protect yourself and your position in the company.
If this is a violation of a Health and Safety issue by a staff member, then, in worse case senario a serious untoward incident may occur.
You need to deal with this in a professional manner. I’m sure that the Company has Policies and Procedures that need to be followed. I would immediately email the employee (you could actually email all those employees who you manage) and bring his/her/their attention to the appropriate Policy/Procedure. I would state that it is Company policy that ALL employees adhere to the said Policy etc.
State that you expect employee(s)to follow the correct procedures going forward. Also state that should He/she/anyone have any issue with this to please reply by email with details of any concerns.
Should this employee continue to ignore the H &S policy and continue on their own sweet way it will be necessary for you to email further:
EG: it has been brought to my attention that H & S policy is still not being adhered to by you. Please follow the Policy from now on. Should this failure to adhere to Policy occur again I shall have no alternative but to refer to Line manager. Please be aware that this may result in Disciplinary action.
I hope this will have the desired effect.
Always ensure that you are polite and professional and that matters like this are in writing. You need to be able to prove that you have been pro-active and have taken all appropriate actions.
If you’re a member of a Trade union you could ask their advice. If not a member please join a Union now. Invaluable support if things turn against you.
I wish you well in your role.