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Matt16  
#1 Posted : 31 March 2017 19:57:00(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Matt16

Good Evening After some advice on the following situation. Have an employee that is total out out of character and he has lost his temper a few times with fellow workers. I have done a welfare interview with him today and he has issues with his Son, one of his parents and his partner. The behavioural change us totally out of character for him. In the interview he said that he was having a really hard time and he felt sucidial and had thought about killing his self. I have asvuaed him that he must go to the doctor and explain his situation I have also got him to take a days holiday in Monday so that thus can be achieved. The employee in question is also a heavy mobile plant operator so i am concerned so I am going to remove him from the machines in.u have the all clear from his doctor. Can anyone give me some more advice please? Thanks Matt
sappery760  
#2 Posted : 01 April 2017 07:09:32(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
sappery760

'I dont know your role so can only give an opinion as if U are the H&S bod'

U appear to have done all that U can at this stage and my advice is that management make the decisions not H&S all H&S can do is explain to management, HR [& Occie health?] that there appears to be a high risk situation without giving away personal details and then hand the problem over to them to manage. if the person will not go to his doctor ASAP and get proper help then real business decisions will have to be made

Matt16  
#3 Posted : 01 April 2017 08:13:55(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Matt16

Thanks Sappery My position in this is the SHE Manager. I have advised HR and the MD on the situation. I'm also looking to inform him that he's not allowed back on site until he had seen a doctor.
Kate  
#4 Posted : 01 April 2017 11:01:56(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Kate

I don't see what more you can do here - you seem to have done all you can.

alisonrath  
#5 Posted : 01 April 2017 13:37:06(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
alisonrath

Hi Matt

I was in a similar situation.  Its important to note that Line Management and HR involvement is key.  Also, in my situation, I involved occupational health who put a programme together to support counselling sessions as well as the phased return of the individual concerned (in my case).

I am not sure whether you have this as an option, alternatively, there are lots of charitable organisations/helplines who can offer assistance in support.

Nick-H  
#6 Posted : 01 April 2017 23:17:01(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Nick-H

Hi Matt,

A difficult situation indeed and as others have already said, you have done an admirable job already. Does your company have an employee assistance programme or any counsellors that he could be directed to? Involving your OH people is a must in my opinion and you should follow whatever your company process is to get a referral (my own opinion about this is that management should make the referral). Be very clear in all your dealings with management that it is their responsibility to take the actions. You mention about banning him from using plant until he is signed off as safe to operate this. You should be recommending this action to management and telling them that they have to make the decision and inform the employee. I take it that management will be officially aware you have had your welfare interview with him? If your interview was in confidence, then informing management has to be done tactfully but you still have to do that and ensure management and the employee are aware that it is management that make the final decisions.

Ron Hunter  
#7 Posted : 03 April 2017 21:37:13(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ron Hunter

Matt, That welfare interview was presumably confidential. Are you sure it's wise to reproduce so much of it on a public forum?
Ellis  
#8 Posted : 04 April 2017 12:17:30(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Ellis

I am suprised that HR didn't deal with this at the first report of violence, as I do not see holding welfare interviews as part of the H&S role unless requested to accompany a member from HR, occupational health, or have received specific training as a counsellor.

I think you have done more than enough and should let HR deal with it from now, I'm sure they will come to you for any H&S issues.

Brian Campbell  
#9 Posted : 04 April 2017 16:29:49(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Brian Campbell

For me you have already gone above and beyond your duty.  I would however suggest that you hand this over now to HR and tell them that you expect to see a plan in place for the employee before you allow him back into their normal role.  They maybe able to come back onto site but under a different role while a management plan is being developed and looked into by HR.  They could also maybe be sent to occupational health as well as their own GP.

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