GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

i got suspended from work today because of my hepatitis c.  they will not let me come back until i get a note from my doctor saying i am fit and it is safe.  i am very disappointed but see their point.  what do you guys think? wanted to post a survey but still can't figure out how.  poll questions are

do you think using medical info for employment is proper?

yes
no
under certain circumstances

How'd they find out?

i told one of the guys and he told the boss

If you don't mind me asking, is it a paid leave of absence?

First link that popped up ...

http://www.nolo.com/article.cfm/objectId/A91C20F1-DD4F-4406-83AF4B2A83540D19/catID/57153B2E-F39E-48DA-830ADA31F5A23325/104/150/175/QNA/

In part ... "Your hepatitis C may bring you under the protections of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (42 U.S.C. §§ 12101-12213). We say "may" because having a medical condition or physical impairment, even one that is quite serious, does not necessarily mean that you have a "disability" under the ADA. "

no it is unpaid

Quote from: frankieG on June 13, 2008, 11:38:12 AM
no it is unpaid

Then it's not fair in my opinion. I'd fight the decision.

Correct me if I am wrong but Hep C is a blood borne disease, which leads me to believe that unless someone is exposed to your blood they have no worrys? Is it transferable by sweat or coughing? If not I say grab a good attorney and wake that company up. And you learned a hard lesson today, keep your private life...private. I get along great with all my co workers but some of them let you know every little detail of there lives, wear that close to your chest Frankie.

well maybe when i get the letter from my doctor all will be fine. then again he may say that working is too stressfull and could lead to relapse of my hep c, cancer or both.   ya just never know.  either way i don't have it in me to push this.  either they accept me the way i am or not.  there are only 5 of us in the store so if i were to force them to take me back it would not be a very good work environment.  i'm too old, too tired, and too sick to get into that type of situation.

Quote from: frankieG on June 13, 2008, 12:49:27 PM
well maybe when i get the letter from my doctor all will be fine. then again he may say that working is too stressfull and could lead to relapse of my hep c, cancer or both.   ya just never know.  either way i don't have it in me to push this.  either they accept me the way i am or not.  there are only 5 of us in the store so if i were to force them to take me back it would not be a very good work environment.  i'm too old, too tired, and too sick to get into that type of situation.

this is the exact reason why everyone with this scenario needs to fight it. when enough people complain, or sue (whichever) things change. hopefully for the better.

my 2 cents

I agree w/ ohgood.

Kick their ass frankie  :thumb: This sounds open and shut to me. Take it to the VA and dept of Labor  :2guns:

If you feel your job was not worth fighting for, fight for those in your same situation  :cheers:

In some instances, it is appropriate.  If you worked in a kitchen, it would be appropriate as you would be at high risk to cut yourself.  Working in an electronics store there is little risk, so I would say the determination is inappropriate.

i will think about it you guys

i sent an e-mail to work that my doctor and veterans affairs say that their request is illegal.  and that rather than causing a fuss i would just like to be put back on the schedule.  we shall see where that goes.

How the heck did you get that in the first place???  Thats a rough one so, really sorry to hear that.

not sure of canadian law, so i cannot say, HOWEVER sems a bit well unfair, id at least ask tehm to elaborate, ( in wiriting preferably)m btw is the hep c in relation to your cancer treatment?, anyhoo frankie, ill be prayin for ya :thumb:

I Agree with Terry , Because u work in a Industry that doesnt really chance Blood Related Contact , why should u not work ,

if u was a Tattooist or something , could understand it , i mean u could get a paper cut , but unless they Rub it in a open Wound .. :dunno_white: its not going to do anything

I knew a woman with Hepitis C , i used to see her all the time , *as a friend of course * didnt bother me in the slightest

well i sweat allot and tire quickly and have 2 doctors appointments a week which is going to be bumped up to everyday.  so they are thinking i am not healthy enough to work.  to be honest the one month i did work 44 hours a week i found it very hard on me.  i came home exhausted, me feet and back killing me.  i had to go to bed right away to be able to get up the next morning for work.  the 12 hour shift was the worse.  i am wondering if bite off more than i can chew.  the fact that my doctor will not just sign a fitness letter but wants to see me tells me he is going to have a problem with me working full time.  now if is can get sony and my doctor to agree on part time then i would be happy with that

Slightly off on a tangent but first mentioned was should a company decide whether you work based on your medical history.

Over here in the UK its becoming a VERY REAL possibility and i bet not one of the UK members here knows much about it. All over the UK now they are rolling out what is called  the 'NHS Spine' (nhs= national health service for you 'mericans). The idea behind it is wherever you are in the UK or even abroad all of your medical records will be shared with those of any other doctor or medical proffesional. They will simply go onto the networked computer type in your name and automatically recieve all your medical history without ever needing to request it from your previous practice or the last hospital you visited. It will all be there up to date and instantly accessable without your prior permission as everyone is automatically included and has to choose to opt out of the program. Very few people are informed about the new 'spine and therefore very few people are aware they need to opt out to keep their privacy.

Anyone see the problem with this system? There are already probing ideas of linking to the DVLA and DSA who deal with all the issue and testing for car/truck/bike licensing. They will simply stick your name in and see your entire medical history without your consent, in this saftey concious world people will automatically have their licenses revoked for medical reasons, like they might collapse because they are on a new drug - the dvla would instantly know your on it and could revoke your license. You go to apply for a job and can have your medical history checked so can get turned down for jobs based on stuff they've dug out of your history... looking for a job shelf stacking in tesco?? but you've had an operation on your shoulder in the past - they will know and probably turn you down because they don't want sueing if your hurt your shoulder carrying some heavy boxes. The list is endless and the possible remefactions of the system could ruin many peoples lives. Some doctors who are completely against this system are signing all their patients off it and informing them, others are not saying a word. If it wern't for the fact that the big technology companies who are supply the hardware and support to run this system (IBM, BT, Fujitsu...etc) pulling out due to various reasons, some not wanting to hurt their company image, others because the NHS contracted them for a particular job and are now trying to suck more resources out of them to do other stuff theyre not being paid for, then it would be complete in the not too distant future. 

I urge the UK members to find out about this from their surgeries or do some research, and make sure your not included if you dont want to be.

Obviously there are benefits, if you have a severe condition and are allergic to certain types of drugs and are involved in a car accident and taken to an unfamiliar hospital they can look up your records and see you can't have the drug they were originally going to give you then it could save your life. However you will probably never get a job again or a license for your car or whatever else they link it to. Weigh up the costs and benefits to you based on what they can and can't do.

As long as you can do the work, I don't see why they should release you.

If you are seriously in this situation and not just ATTENTION WHORING on the internet then you should have already been in contact with an attorney about this. I think there is another side to this story that you are not telling.
Maybe your performance isnt up to par and your employer wants you to be checked out?
It is completely and I mean completely 100% illegal in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA to be not hired, fired or sent on a leave of absence against your own will due to a medical condition. Not even a medical condition really, more like a rumor or a "tattle tale". Are you in Canada or US? you mentioned VA, if you are a US vet then VA is the first people I would call.

If you are in the US then help is available, if you are in Canada then too bad so sad.

So I say again "whats the real story behind this"?

One .. That is Damn Insensative . learn some manners ,
Two. Frankie is Currently In Cananda ,.
Three. People like to reach out to people when they dont want to talk face to face

Quote from: Jay_wolf on June 16, 2008, 08:51:17 AM
One .. That is Damn Insensative . learn some manners ,
Two. Frankie is Currently In Cananda ,.
Three. People like to reach out to people when they dont want to talk face to face

wow dont spit up your fish and chips on my behalf, the guy needs help not my condolences. I thought he was in limbo between Canada and USA. He doesnt need to be doing anything but talking to a lawyer or VA (if Canada even has a VA).What is happening to him is illegal on a lot of levels.

peace

Not Every British Person Likes Fish and Chips.. I happen to

Would almost be Like , Are you going to be sleeping with ur cousin tonight , before ur dad comes home and beats you ?

Quote from: Jay_wolf on June 16, 2008, 09:18:39 AM
Not Every British Person Likes Fish and Chips.. I happen to

Would almost be Like , Are you going to be sleeping with ur cousin tonight , before ur dad comes home and beat you ?

uhmm not really but good thread jack

Erbilabuc is just in love with Frankie, you can tell how he follows Frankie around from thread to thread. Frankie needs a internet restraining order! :cookoo: :o

Quote from: mojonixon on June 16, 2008, 06:29:17 PM
Erbilabuc is just in love with Frankie, you can tell how he follows Frankie around from thread to thread. Frankie needs a internet restraining order! :cookoo: :o

(http://static.zoovy.com/img/dealz4real/W240-H223-Bffffff/heck_sm.jpg)

Quote from: mojonixon on June 16, 2008, 06:29:17 PM
Frankie needs a internet restraining order! :cookoo: :o

You're joking, but it's becoming more and more common for restraining orders to contain terms applicable to online actions as we 'evolve'. :cookoo:

i wouldnt know, im not the subject of, a restraining order, NOR am i a lawyer  :laugh: :laugh:

Hey SPCTerry, Whats your MOS? I am assuming you are still in?

Hey frankie:

Aside from the crap that his company's handed you, it sounds as though working full time is difficult for ya' right now. How about giving your health a break and maybe working part time?  :kiss3:

As far as the company goes, if it's illegal in Canada, then go get 'em. If it's not, or if you have enough battles to fight right now with your health, etc, then move on and save the energy and fight for your health.  :cheers:

Love,
mama pandy

P.S. Anyone who'd accuse frankie of attn whoring is obviously a n00b who hasn't been around long enough to know our frankie.  :kiss3:

Quote from: Jay_wolf on June 16, 2008, 09:18:39 AM

Are you going to be sleeping with ur cousin tonight , before ur dad comes home and beats you ?

  :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Jay.. YOU ROCK BUDDY !  :laugh:


erbilabuc... You are WAY outa line here man. You dont know the whole story. I think you need to read some old posts...

Quote from: mojonixon on June 17, 2008, 05:17:32 PM
Hey SPCTerry, Whats your MOS? I am assuming you are still in?

Nope, I'm out now.  I still miss it, though if I re-enlisted, it would be in the Corps :icon_rolleyes:  I was a 96B with an 11B reclass.

11B, Utilities? Am I remembering right?

Quote from: scottpA_GS on June 17, 2008, 06:10:46 PM

Quote from: Jay_wolf on June 16, 2008, 09:18:39 AM

Are you going to be sleeping with ur cousin tonight , before ur dad comes home and beats you ?

  :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Jay.. YOU ROCK BUDDY !  :laugh:


erbilabuc... You are WAY outa line here man. You dont know the whole story. I think you need to read some old posts...

or suspended from the forum for a lil while

My Justification .. As a British Born Dude , That saying *Dont spit up your fish and Chips* Is a Racist , Stereotype , That Is Just As Bad As Being Called A Cracker.. Or Other Just Words ..  When My Just Mentions Incest , and Violence Behind Closed Doors.... Harmless  :thumb:

Quote from: pandy on June 17, 2008, 05:28:03 PM
Hey frankie:

Aside from the crap that his company's handed you, it sounds as though working full time is difficult for ya' right now. How about giving your health a break and maybe working part time?  :kiss3:

As far as the company goes, if it's illegal in Canada, then go get 'em. If it's not, or if you have enough battles to fight right now with your health, etc, then move on and save the energy and fight for your health.  :cheers:

Love,
mama pandy

P.S. Anyone who'd accuse frankie of attn whoring is obviously a n00b who hasn't been around long enough to know our frankie.  :kiss3:

agreed, ive never met frankie, YET), but i agree

Quote from: mojonixon on June 17, 2008, 06:28:32 PM
11B, Utilities? Am I remembering right?

Dear god, I almost cried I laughed so hard.  No, 96 series is Intel and 11 series is Infantry.

no if you wnat to laugh hard, wait until someone on a 250 rebel says their bike can beat your duc  :laugh:

Quote from: Jay_wolf on June 17, 2008, 07:12:43 PM
My Justification .. As a British Born Dude , That saying *Dont spit up your fish and Chips* Is a Racist , Stereotype , That Is Just As Bad As Being Called A Cracker.. Or Other Just Words ..  When My Just Mentions Incest , and Violence Behind Closed Doors.... Harmless  :thumb:

jesus christ, it was a joke like just when I told FrankieG to go buy a Celine Dion CD.

I love YOU

Dont No why u think Hepitis C or Frankies Health is a Joke.....

i wasn't saying frakie's health or hep was a joke at all. i was just being...well...me.... :icon_mrgreen: best wishes to you frankie...really...your health is way more important than any job.  :thumb:

I wasn't  saying say it to you Jserio , To The Formally ImportBabe.... Who doesnt no what Babe Is

Back to the topic...  There may be justifiable reason for an employer to request and use medical information, but employers generally shouldn't need it for most jobs, and definitely should never abuse it.

Those with management responsibility can probably see the benefit of having some information for exceptional circumstances, and all should recognise the importance of maintaining utmost integrity whether acting on behalf of the employer or the employee.

In my occasion promotions & sales job I work with a guy who has HepC. It does not bother me nor any of the others as far as I know.

Secondly, someone has reported this thread as possibly blasphemous, presumably the stuff towards the end of page two, other mods mat not agree but i have no intention to do anything about it. I accept that some people who are deeply Christian might be offended by the phraseology but I don't think it was deliberatly offensive and perhaps we could all benefit from a deep breath and a more mature attitude to others with whom we may or may not agree.

"Dont spit up your fish and chips"?  :laugh: I like that one............. In fact I would go as far as saying its absolutley "Spiffing" what do you say chaps?  :thumb:

Must dash.......time for tea.

It Is Indeed Spiffing My Fine Fellow ,

Ok.......that word "cracker". I happen to know a little something about that word. That was "the guy" that "carried around" and "occasionally used"............."the whip". He rode along on horseback or sometimes walked down the cotton rows. He "made sure" that productivity was the order of the day and made use of the whip for fine tuning processes. He could instantly "upramp" and "pool resources" and set new benchmarks. A win-win, net-net occured everyday. The Plantation  Master got wealthier and you didn't get your ass whipped if you were a "jump steady". A cracker was usually white but could be black as well.

On a side note: There ain't nothing like the smell of a new 8 plat leather whip and good tight fitting leather gloves or the smell of the interior of a brand new automobile.

Hep is a blood born pathogen that can live out side of the body for a goosd amount of time unlike HIV/AIDS which die quite fast. The only time an employer should have access to this information is if you work with the public in a way inwhich there could be a possibility of a transference of the pathogen, i.e. working in a resteraunt, a nurse, dental hygenist, or in my case I was an addictions counselor at a methadone clinic where a majority of the Patients used herion intravienously, and we did urinalysis and handled (using universal percausions) the urin. Now lets say I was a draftsman and my boss wanted to know my Hep stat or anyother health concsrns I would be concerened and would seek counsel. Now, If I had Hep C I  would definitaly would be working closely with my M.D. and watch my liver functioning, we had more people dying from the complications related to Hep C than HIV/ AIDS. -- If anyone has questions let me know. - JIM:)

Well my Point of View.I have nothing Against Anyone with Hep C.But in my Line of work I would like to Know if they Do Have Hep C.Say I was Working with you Frankie and You Accidently Cut your Finger Off with a Skill Saw or Chain Saw ETC. and I had to Administer First Aid.I would Like to at least Have a Warning on How to Be Prepared to Help.Like with HIV or any Other Blood Borne Disease you should have Enough Consideration to warn People.In most Cases people will Have less of a Problem than when they Do Find out the Hard way.
From What I was Taught in School Hep C will live in Open Air on a Surface for 7 Days Straight.We Were told that IF we did Encounter Any Drops of Blood on Desks,Tables or Chairs to Let the Teacher Know to Help Prevent the Spread.When I was in School there was A Lot of Kids that Had it.I have a Family Member that Does Have Hep C and I try to Steer Clear of them.Not just Because of the Hep C but because of What else He Could be Carrying.Since I was into Landscaping and Garbage Pick up several Years Ago I had thoughts of Getting the Hep A &B Immunizations to be Safe.I'm still Afraid that I could be Carrying the Hep C Virus from a F%$# up on my Part.It wasn't Drug Related but was only from Getting My Sugar Checked in Hopes that my Uncle would Also Get His Checked Afterwards.Unknown at the time they were Ex Needle Junkies with No Consideration for those Around them.Especially my Uncle who had Conjestive Heart Failure and Emphesima.

so i lost my job.  the doctor said i was unable to work full time, part time at best depending on my medical appointments and treatment.  i had to be careful what i said because he was asking about my driving and i was scared he would restrict or heaven forbid take away my drivers license.  so here i am back in the same ol boat..no job and just sitting on my ask marking appointments and when to take medication on my calendar  :icon_rolleyes:   i did mention going on my road trip and he shot that down right on the spot.

Sorry you're jobless agiain Frankie. Doctors can make that call, try to find something part time to stay occupied don't give up bud.

BTW Jug your example is a good one but any employer in a trade like yours involving power tools per OSHA regs requires employees to take blood born pathogen training classes. Either at a trining center or if your employer is large enough in house taught by a safety officer rep from your company.

I used to work in a sheet metal shop and every one had to go to safety training which dealt with that since cuts and finger amputations were a job hazard.

We also learned that in the US that informtion is protected and you do not have to volunteer it nor can it be used against you, you must assume that it is a risk and follow approprite safety protocols before offering aid.

As a shift lead I had to attend to on the job injuries and fill out paperwork as well as transporting individulas to treatmet if necessary.

I never assisted anyone without first gloving up, eyes were already protected because we had to wear safety glasses in the plant. And then always thourghly scrubbed afterwards.

A friend of mine cut 2 finger tips off in a press brake and I had to keep a guy from trying to help, it may not seem right but your first priority of protection is yourself.

there is no use of having a rescuer becoming a patient and thus doubling the trouble.   taking the right safety precautions for oneself is absolutely necessary as far as i am concerned.  i would rather wait even if it meant more harm or possibly death, than to have a first aider become a casualty.

well said all, and frankie. youll get through it god willing. a minor hiccup, but it will work out  :cheers: