Can my workplace make me do a job that my doctor has restricted me from doing
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Can my workplace make me do a job that my doctor has restricted me from doing
I am a cashier where I work and I have severe
vertigo especially when I turn to the left a lot. So
my doctor has restricted me from running any
register where I have to turn to the left all day. I
have only one register where I work that
requires this . I have been on this register
before and have gotten so dizzy that I have
fallen down. I have gotten several written notes
from my doctor stating I cannot run this register.
Can my workplace force me to run this register
or not. What can I do if Im forced to run this
register again and I fall and hurt myself . What
are my options.
Asked on October 28, 2019 under Employment Labor Law, Alabama
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 4 years ago | Contributor
An employer must make "reasonsble accommodations" to employee medical conditions. A reasonable accommodation is a change at work that is not too costly or disruptive for the employer and which lets you do your job. If they have registers that do not require a left turn, then it is reasonable to have to work those registers and not the one that makes you turn to the left; it therefore would be a reasonable accommodation to only put you on the non-left registers. If they refuse to do this, they may be violating the anti-disability discrimination laws and you could contact the federal EEOC or your state's equal/civil rights agency to file a complaint.
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