Discussion(s) at work today.......

[Lisa]

discussion(s) at work today.......

Been stewing on this all day.....finally have a few minutes to write it out and vent etc.....

So, I was sick last week - home Monday, in for a couple hours Tues then to the Dr to confirm I had strep.....was out Wednesday on Dr orders (had note for work).....Thursday felt better (had been on antibiotics for more than 24 hours at this point).....I had PRE-APPROVED time off for vacation days Thurs/Fri.....

So - since I was feeling better, and it was HOT, I took my daughter to a local creek and went swimming with her in the afternoon.....today, when my boss and I had some 'alone' time in the office, he talked to me about a couple of things - one of which was his displeasure (actually told me he was PISSED!)...that I had gone out Thurs after being out sick Mon-Wed! WT?!?!?!:grumpy:.....what gets me is that it was MY DAY OFF!.....NOT out sick, but VACATION DAY!.....where does he get off telling me I can't do something if I feel better after being sick....what would the difference have been if I came into work then went out swimming after.......OR if I had made it public that I had gone out while I was out sick THEN I could see him having a gripe.........

ok - THAT part of the vent is over...now for part 2!

So, last weekend we were gearing up at work for possible activation if the hurricane hit NY...I was polled as to my availability for overtime - and told my supervisor that I was, BUT NOT for anything that would send me into a contaminated area due to my pre-existing medical condition (should probably have also added medication).....anyway, now my supervisor is getting all worried that i will not be able to fulfill my duties at work - although I have been doing it for the past 5 years since starting remicade.....

The issue is that during a disaster, there is the potential to be called into an area that has sustained damage to the infrastructure - which then could lead to exposure to diseases, also to injuries that may provide a path for infection.....these are the types of things I would exclude myself from. During my regular work day, I may respond to fire emergencies, smoke conditions etc, but usecommon sense and do not put myself into a situation that I feel could be detrimental to my health with regard to my immune system.

It is no secret to my boss/employer that I have Crohns', I just don't think my supervisor ever realized what exactly that entails.....I am now being asked for documentation -

Per our conversation, medical documentation stating the restrictions or in atmospheres you cannot work in will be required.

.....

Has anyone here had to provide any type of similar documentation - AND - anyone have thoughts on how much information they can request regarding privacy laws, ADA etc?

 

[dreamintwilight]

Hey Lisa

I have no experience with the second part unfortunately. But, I just wanted to let you know I'm sorry this happened. Hopefully others one here have more helpful input. Recovering from strep and now having to deal with documentation issues is a real pain. Hope it's not too stressful for you because that's no good for the Crohn's!

That would really irritate me too about the first vent you mentioned. People just never fail to get it. I completely empathize with you though! Gripe all you need to

 

[DustyKat]

Hi Lisa,

I can understand why you are so angry about your boss. What you do on your days off is your business and no one else's. He can think all he wants about your absence from your work but since you have a doctors certificate there's nothing he can do about it, oh except piss you off! I don't know your work relations laws there but he may have to watch himself if he makes a habit of questioning employee's sick leave when they have a certificate.

I haven't personally but in the field I work in (health) you are required to disclose any conditions that may be of detriment to you as a worker or put patients at risk. This is confidential of course and allows for provisions to be put in place if needed. Again I don't know your disclosure laws but since they already know you have Crohns would it sit well with you to have your doctor provide documentation outlining what areas would be deemed an unsafe working environment for you? Just thinking along the lines that it then allows them to roster jobs during a disaster appropriately and you don't need to keep explaining yourself..............(((shrug)))

As Marisa said, gripe away! 'cause it's always good to get it off your chest.

Thinking about you, :hug:
Dusty

 

[gypsigirl28]

Hi Lisa sorry your boss is being a jerk. NY State law requires you to present to your employer any medical condition you have or medication you are on the effects your job discription. So if you are working in an area that might have you in those situations and you saying you cannot be there due to your medical condition you by law have to give them proof of this. Any other medication or condition that does not effect your job you do not under the hippa law have to submit. you ONLY have to submit to your employer the condition and medication that effects your position at work.
Unless they have changed this is the last few years. Let me look this up under my law sites and I will get back to you on this.

i hope things get better for you, I will get back to you in a bit regarding this...

 

[DustyKat]

This is a link to brochure for employers. It is Australian and unfortunately may be of no use to you but it outlines their rights and responsibilities.............................

http://www.crohnsandcolitis.com.au/content/Employer_booklet___web_version.pdf

Dusty.

 

[gypsigirl28]

Hi Lisa,

From what I have found, It is like I said above... You ONLY have to tell them your medical condition and medication that effects your job nothing else..

hugs to you

 

[medic8]

Hello Pasobuff,

You might want to consider speaking with your union's Health and Welfare representative . As a firefighter you are probably a member of the IAFF, one of the most proactive unions in the feild of employee health benefits and rights. They should be able to answer your questions on how much information you are required to disclose, and to whom.
I also work in emergency services (the health side), so understand about being placed in uncontrolled and sometimes medically compromising situations. I my workplace, we are required to provide medical documentation is certain circumstances, however, the information is routed through an independant workplace health services provider. The employer only knows whether you are (or are not) fit for work, and any restrictions or limitations that are recommended as a result of your medical condition.
The details of your condition are extremely personal - your boss sounds like a bit of a dough head - I'd be careful about how much you disclose directly to him.

Good luck!

 

[Lisa]

Thanks all...I have an email in to my Union Rep - unfortunately I am not IAFF - but PEF (Public Employees Federation).....but that is still a BIG union.....I am also Civil Service....

I will be going through our Health Services - I do get a physical for work every year or two, and my medication(s) are on file there.....think I will contact them to see what needs to be changed on my records or noted.....