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does an employer have the right to know about an employees extended illness?

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leeannw

Guest
We have an employee who has been ill off and one for over a year. They used 12 days additional sick leave, after using up all paid vacation and sick days. We paid for those additional days. The illness is starting to affect work. This is a small company and worker is in an essential job area. Worker blames our airconditioning vents for allergy problems (we had the ducts all cleaned). Worker blames old building for breathing problems, we put an air cleaner in their office. Worker complained of drafts of outside air, we instaled an additional door between outside door and lobby and glassed in workers window to lobby. Worker complains about customers and visitors who wear strong colognes. No one in office wears perfumes or any strong lotions.
Do we have a right to know more about this workers prognosis? We feel we need to know if this is a condition which will get steadily worse, affection job performance more and more. Worker is now on chemo treatments but will not say why. We are sensitive to their privacy but everyone's job depends on employee doing their job efficiently. suggestions please.
 


HomeGuru

Senior Member
You have a right to request a letter of explanation from an MD. The need not be specific but only state that the employee has ben and is under doctors" care.
You should seek advice from legal cousel as there are privacy and discrimination laws to be concerned with.
 
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buddy2bear

Guest
HomeGuru is absolutely correct! You must consult with a labor & employment on behalf of management attorney PDQ. You are flurting with discrimination laws, ADA, FMLA, OSHA, etc. Protect your company before you go any further. This employee is looking for a target with "deep pockets" and you are it.
 

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