Work environment restrictions while on immunosuppressants/Remicade?

[Lisa]

Thought I'd post a separate thread here...

I have been requested to provide documentation for my work regarding my not being able to 'go into' certain environments due to my being on Remicade...

Has anyone here had to provide such documentation, and if so, how specific/generic was it?

I work in the Emergency Services field (Firefighting side), and have the potential to go into atmospheres where there are toxins/smoke etc - which doesn't bother me....what I recently told my boss (and brought up the documentation issue) is that I can not go into a contaminated area that has a potential for disease - such as an area that has been flooded - potential for sewage contamination, mold, et etc.....

 

[Astra]

Hiya Lisa

Yeah I did when I got back to work after being off for 5 months.
I'm not on immuno suppressants or a biologic, but I'm still supressed because my immune system is weakened.
With the nature of my job, working with ASD kids, I am no longer required to assist cleaning them up when they vomit or soil, got to stay away from body fluids, and remain at home if there's an outbreak of TB or chickenpox!
And..!! I'm exempt from driving the mini bus cos of joint pain! Yay!
It's good, employers have a duty of care to look after us Crohnies! lol
xxx

 

[cruxy]

Some of us are lucky, and some are not!! Unlike the case with Astra, my employer is giving up on me after less than 2 months!! (54 days to be specific)!! They now want me to provide a prognosis medical report on the entire case before they decide to on my return to work!! The worst part is that in 21 days from now (after I complete 75 days on sick leave) they have the right to terminate my contract without NOTICE!! I doubt they will negotiate my indemnity as well... It is really a blessing when your employers consider your case and understand it...

Back to Pasobuff, I am on Remicade since 3 yrs, and I work in the Oil & Gas industry... used to visit oil fields (which include environmental risks and potential gas leaks). After I have come to know that my immunity is weak while on Remicade, I explained this verbally to my employer and they understood this fact and taken this responsibility out of my JD so it won’t affect my Appraisal at the end of the year...

I believe that a generic report from your GI about the nature of Remicade being an immunosuppressant on your body immunity, stating that you are subject to easily catch diseases resulted from any type of contamination.... You can tell your doc what the risks at your work are, and let him specifically mention them in his report... It should work if your employer keen to keep you..

 

[Rebecca85]

Paso, I can see why your employer woild be concerned, as you may not realise that a scene is contaminated till you are there, and if you refused to enter it could put others' lives at risk. Or if you did go in somewhere and later became ill from it, you could potentially sue your employer for expising you. Could you not instead insist that you have extra protective equipment i.e. contamination suits and air filters to prevent you being exposed?