Is there a law about using my personal vehicle for work related deliveries?
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Is there a law about using my personal vehicle for work related deliveries?
I work in a medical office in the sterile processing field. I am asked to pick up soiled medical instruments from surrounding offices in my personal vehicle to bring back to my office for sterilization and then deliver them again.
I have a problem with this because I feel it’s wrong to be transporting such things in the same vehicle I drive my baby around in. I’m just not sure how to bring up the issue to my bosses without sounding like I am not willing to do my job.
Asked on March 23, 2018 under Employment Labor Law, Indiana
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
You need to contact OSHA (i.e. the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) to assure that your working conditions are safe and healthful; you cannot be retaliated against by your employer for doing so. However, if OSHA standards are not being violated, then unless this type of transportation breaches the terms of an employment contract or union agreement, it is legal. The fact is that most work relationships are "at will". This means that a company can set the conditions of employment much as it sees fit (absent some form of legally actionable discrimination). Accordingly, while your concerns are understandable, you can be disciplined for refusing to carry this equipment in your personal vehicle, up to and including suspension or termination. At this point, you can again contact OSHA and/or consult directly with a local employment law attorney. They can best advise you further.
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