Should a verbal warning go on your record?

[middkazsam]

Should a verbal warning go on your record?
I have been issued with a verbal warning and been given a copy of the issue disscused at the bottom it states that this is now on my work profile/file.

This verbal warning was issued after i bought up a health and safety risk and explained that i was struggling to make the beds in rooms that have built in beds as you could reach over far enough to put the sheet on and that it was pulling mine and several others backs.
There had never been an issue previosly as we we only having to make these beds once/twice every couple of weeks now we are changing them almost everynight maybe every two nights.
My line manager kind of laughed at me saying ( so you want showing how to make a bed) i said no but i think a risk assessment should be done on this as we are are struggling to do this task.
Later that day i went to find him twice but could not find him on site so i wrote a letter to explain that i had been up to do the 2 rooms he had given me to make up and that i had made them to the best of my abbilty which was ( duvet cover on pillow case on then folded them into a neat pile with sheet folded on top)
He then came to me last thing yesterday and issued me with my first verbal warning i stressed to him again that i need a risk assessment doing and that this task was taking its toll on the staffs backs he said failure to do this again i will take you to a written warning.

Am i in the wrong?

[mccfluff]

a memo doc the verbal warnign does go on your file, its needed to show cause for dismissal if it goes that far.

i'm confused as to why you have had one though?

[buildersmate]

Yes, a verbal warning is recorded, strange though that may seem.
The logic is impeccable; if you do it again and it warrants the next stage of the warnings process, how the heck does the employer know what went before if it hasn't recorded anything in your file? One can't just rely on memory of the HR department.

I'm not going to get into the issue of whether this set of circumstances warranted a warning or not.

[middkazsam]

Because i still didnt carry out the task as i still stated it was hurting my back and until a risk assessment had been carried out i wouldnt be making the bulit in beds

He felt i need a verbal warning for failing ( in his words) simple and basic instuctions
I also asked why has this extra duty been given to me he said because anouther member of staff has refused to make them
So i said i dont really see that as fair there are 6 of us in the team yet you have now singled me out why not ask as a team to do these bedrooms he just kind of shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows as if to say shut up

[mamatwo]

A verbal warning should be noted on your employment record but is effectively removed if no further action is taken after a while (6 months I think but not 100% on that!)
Whether you should have had a warning is questionable. Ask for a copy of the firms disiplinary and grievence procedure so you know where you stand (these are sometimes given out along with your terms and conditions of employment).
You normally go to a meeting to discuss the issue (and investigations done) before warnings are issued and you normally get the option to have a work collegue of your choice accompany you (union rep if you have one?)
Try looking on www.acas.co.uk for more info, great place for employment queries.

[cassa333]

If you honestly feel that you do not deserve a warning then escalate it up to his manager or personel.

A risk assesment won't change the fact the beds need making though so what do you hope to achieve by waiting for a ra to be carried out? It may show that although you can't do it that it is possible. Therefore you are incapable of doing your job!!?

[boxtops]

There should be a health & safety risk assessment completed in every workplace, the H&S officer can ask to see it when they do a spot-check. Who is in charge of H&S at your place?
I'm not sure why changing the beds more frequently hurts your back more often than only doing it a couple of times a week.
If you are supposed to make the bed and just left the linen in a neat pile on top, then you are not fulfilling your duties. What sort of a place is this? If it's a hotel or home then nobody occupying the room would be very happy to come in and find they have to put on their own sheets!

[Thunderchild]

I think verbal is not meant literally, the same as i got stopped by a policeman to tell me he was unhappy with my bumper but was not going to take the mater further and just give me a verbal warning, I still had to sign his book to confirm he had spoken to me and no doubt it was put on record, how else would another poliman know i had been warned already and it is time for a fine and point off license, I think it is just a way of saying problem noted and when it becomes a written warning its a BIG problem