RTW RESTRICTION

POPEYE

This is a new one for me. EE (Lift Truck Operator) has been on FMLA for 5 weeks with chronic lower back pain. DR has realeased with a 20 lb. lifting restriction. No problem, may drive lift truck for shift. EE states that pulling themself up on to the lift truck would be in excess of the lifting restriction and refuses to drive. Have any of you Safety experts experienced this with a lifting restriction?

Don D

Makes sense to me. If that's the restriction and the ee says he cannot perform that task given the restriction, he has just made himself unavailable for RTW. Unless you want him in the plant for some reason, and have a desire to make a job for him or allow him to jerk you around, put him back off work and if your state law allows, look toward legal termination for inability to perform the job.

POPEYE

I had voiced the same opinion but wanted to get another viewpoint to substantiate my feelings.

Thanks.