Forced to Resign as a Safety Officer: What Steps Should I Take Next?

Dear all,

I am a safety officer as per the Factories Act in a well-reputed company. My organization has forced me to resign and accepted my resignation. I had a one-month notice period, but they informed me not to come on duty from the next day.

Please guide me on what actions I should take.

Regards,
Safety Officer

Since a resignation has been tendered by you (assuming there is no evidence of forced resignation), it is advisable to promptly contest the resignation by sending a letter via registered or speed post. Depending on your length of service, you may be entitled to more benefits beyond one month's salary.

Please let me know if you need any further assistance or information.

Nothing is more dismaying than the sudden loss of employment. Managing the derailment of the career express is not easy. You are no exception to it. Nevertheless, there could be compelling reasons for your removal even without conducting a domestic inquiry. Therefore, your post merits a few questions.

Questions to Consider

What is the safety record in your company? Was there a near-miss in the recent past? Did the management feel that you are not adding value as far as industrial safety is concerned? Did you press the wrong nerve of some top management official?

As a safety "officer," how many persons report to you? We need to know to assess whether you are covered under the Industrial Dispute Act, 1947.

Please clarify the above questions. Based on your replies, senior members of this forum, including me, will provide advice.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

Dear Shri Divekar,

What you had said is correct, but the organization can't remove a Safety Officer without appointing and taking over the job. This is a statutory requirement. No one can perform the Safety Officer's job unless they are qualified under the law.

Regards,

Y.R. Shirke