A collegue who works for a small family run engineering Co (15 employees) is being disciplined for not putting his safety boots on as soon as he got to work (his cnc lathes was running, he was watching). The directors son, another director, the next day stood on a pallet on a fork truck (Photo evidence) to lift lights up (over 2m high) to allow a crane through. The company also have disabled some interlocks on CNC lathes so employees (and the directors son again) can polish turning items with emery cloth (video evidence). Lots more other things but not enough space to mention. Is he being victimised for 'flouting' H&S procedures? What is his best option? I suppose a bit H&S and Employment issues together. Any way forward would be appreciated. Thanks.

Regarding the boots if it's policy to wear them at all times then the employee has a duty to co-operate, irrespective if what he is doing. If it was a 'formal' warning that may seem harsh but is he a repeat offender or seen as a 'bad apple', are there others doing the same who have been 'let off'? Regarding the others issue I suspect your on a hiding top nothing its it involves the directors or family. why the videoing? has there been an ongoing proble with H&S and have the management team been formally conacted regarding workforce concerns. I understand stand you may be concerned that by raising these issues you may feel you will become a target. The first choice must always be to resolve inhouse and while you may get soem protection as a 'whistleblower' the stigma will likely remain for a long time. Having said that, the breaches you describe sound quite scary. You could always contact HSE anonomously for advice but i'd bet they would want to come out and visit. Doing nothing is not really an option.