The recent Northern Ireland Tribunal Judgment in Jasinskas v Sebden Steel Service Centre Limited t/a Sebden Steel Ireland (case ref 1118/119IT) provides a useful illustration of common pitfalls which occur in disciplinary and dismissal procedures and also reminds us of the value of a meaningful and comprehensive appeal process.

The Claimant in this case was employed by the Respondent as a Production Operative.  On 20 September 2018 he was carrying out his duties making wooden pallets using a pneumatic nail gun when a nail “entered his left foot”.  Following an investigation by the Respondent the Claimant was invited to a disciplinary hearing alleging that he had operated a nail gun in a “careless and dangerous manner with complete disregard of