EE Medical Issue
LindaS
1,510 Posts
I have an employee who had a position that required some heavy lifting. While he was in this position he injured his shoulder (not work related) and was on restrictions for approximately 6 weeks. He was released from his restrictions and returned to his job. He has since moved into a different position, at his choosing, and there was some questions as to WHY he made the decision to move as the move resulted in his taking a pay cut.
In talking with him he stated that he could no longer do the heavy lifting due to his shoulder and that he had been advised by his physician that he should change jobs or risk needing some type of surgery. This occurred several months ago.
Since that time he has been asked to assist in the training of the new person in this job, which he has done without complaint. The new person is just not working out and will probably be disqualified. The EE with the shoulder issue has made several statements to individuals that he wants to come back into his old job should this other person be disqualified.
Since I have his statements that the reason for his moving was due to a medical condition I think the only responsible thing to do would be to require a medical release before moving him back to his old job but I don't have anything other than his statement regarding a possible medical condition. Do you agree that I should seek a medical release or am I overstepping my bounds?
In talking with him he stated that he could no longer do the heavy lifting due to his shoulder and that he had been advised by his physician that he should change jobs or risk needing some type of surgery. This occurred several months ago.
Since that time he has been asked to assist in the training of the new person in this job, which he has done without complaint. The new person is just not working out and will probably be disqualified. The EE with the shoulder issue has made several statements to individuals that he wants to come back into his old job should this other person be disqualified.
Since I have his statements that the reason for his moving was due to a medical condition I think the only responsible thing to do would be to require a medical release before moving him back to his old job but I don't have anything other than his statement regarding a possible medical condition. Do you agree that I should seek a medical release or am I overstepping my bounds?
Comments
We have an "Employee Medical Exam" policy in place that states that our policy not only applies to new hires, but also to current employees transferring to another position where the essential functions of the job differ from their current position.
The results should make it clear whether there is risk to the employee of reinjuring himself in his old position.
You can PM me or fax to 936-825-5179.
Thanks!
Linda