The Boss of a small Company. The company revised and updated the compliance policy

Consider yourself the Boss of a small Company. The company revised and updated the compliance policy. Now one of the employees refused to attend training course arranged by the employer and that led to incompetent in his job, Causing injuries to a person in the workplace.

Questions:

Who would you invite into your office and what information would you require? (400 words-2.5 Marks)
How frequently you suggest that Enterprise policies and procedures be updated. (400 words-2.5 Marks)
Prepare a long- and short-term action plan to address the situation. (700 words-5 Marks)

Full Answer Section

       
  1. The Injured Person: (If possible, depending on the severity of the injury)
    • Information Needed:
      • Details of the injury sustained.
      • Witness accounts (if any) of the incident.
  2. Human Resources (HR) Representative:
    • Information Needed:
      • Compliance policy details and revisions relevant to the employee's job.
      • Documentation of training offered and the employee's refusal.
      • Company's disciplinary procedures and accident reporting protocols.
  3. Safety Officer (if applicable):
    • Information Needed:
      • Details of the safety protocols or procedures relevant to the incident.
      • Assessment of the workplace environment and potential safety hazards.
Frequency of Policy Updates The frequency of policy updates depends on several factors:
  • Legislative Changes: Policies need to be reviewed and updated whenever relevant laws or regulations change. This ensures your company stays compliant with legal requirements. (e.g., changes in minimum wage laws)
  • Industry Best Practices: Regularly review industry best practices to identify areas where your policies can be improved. Benchmarking against industry leaders can highlight gaps.
  • Technological Advancements: New technologies can introduce new risks or require updated procedures to ensure safety and effectiveness. (e.g., cybersecurity protocols for cloud storage)
  • Incident Analysis: After any workplace incident, a thorough review should be conducted. This may reveal gaps in existing policies or the need for additional training.
  • Employee Feedback: Encourage employees to provide feedback on existing policies. This can help identify areas of confusion or areas where the policy isn't practical in daily operations.
Here's a suggested update schedule:
  • Annual Review: Conduct a comprehensive review of all policies at least once a year.
  • Ad-hoc Updates: Be prepared to make ad-hoc updates as needed based on the factors mentioned above.
Long-Term and Short-Term Action Plan Short-Term Actions (Focus: Addressing the Immediate Situation)
  1. Investigate the Incident: Conduct a thorough investigation to understand the cause of the injury and the employee's role in it. Review witness accounts, safety protocols, and any relevant documentation.
  2. Provide Medical Attention: Ensure the injured person receives prompt and appropriate medical care. This demonstrates the company's commitment to employee well-being and fulfills legal obligations.
  3. Disciplinary Action: Based on the investigation's findings, determine the appropriate disciplinary action for the employee. This could range from a verbal warning to suspension or termination depending on the severity of the offense and the employee's past record. Consider all factors before reaching a decision.
  4. Communicate with Employees: Communicate the incident and its consequences to all employees in a transparent manner. This reinforces the importance of following safety protocols and attending mandatory training.
Long-Term Actions (Focus: Preventing Future Incidents)
  1. Mandatory Retraining: Require the employee who refused training to undergo the previously skipped training course. Ensure they understand the revised compliance policy and their job duties.
  2. Review Training Effectiveness: Evaluate the effectiveness of the training program. This might involve surveys, post-training assessments, and observation of employee behavior. Make adjustments or implement additional training as needed.
  3. Improve Communication: Ensure clear and consistent communication about company policies and procedures. Use multiple channels like emails, company meetings, and online resources to keep employees informed.
  4. Culture of Safety: Foster a culture of safety in the workplace. This involves encouraging employees to report safety hazards, participate in safety drills, and prioritize safe work practices. Recognize and reward employees who demonstrate safety consciousness.
  5. Continuous Improvement: Regularly review the company's safety record and identify areas for improvement. Invest in safety equipment and technology when necessary.
Additional Considerations:
  • Employee Assistance Programs: If the employee's refusal to train stemmed from personal difficulties, consider offering support through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This program can provide resources and counseling to help them address challenges impacting their work performance.
  • Legal Advice: Depending on the severity of the incident, it may be prudent to consult with an employment lawyer. They can advise on appropriate disciplinary actions and ensure compliance with labor laws.
 

Sample Answer

     

Who to Invite and Required Information

In this situation, I would invite several individuals into my office to gather a comprehensive understanding of the situation. Here's a breakdown:

  1. The Employee:
    • Information Needed:
      • Reason for refusing the training course.
      • Understanding of their job duties and responsibilities.
      • Details of the workplace incident, including their perspective on what happened and any contributing factors.