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3 common ways employers can accommodate injured workers

On Behalf of | Nov 29, 2021 | Employment Law |

Maybe you got hurt at work and need to file a workers’ compensation claim. It’s also possible that your medical issue is the result of something from outside of work, such as a car crash or a stroke suffered on the weekend.

When you have a disabling medical condition, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that your employer accommodate you if the business meets certain size requirements. What are some of the most common accommodations that workers can request from their employers?

New responsibilities or transfers to vacant positions

Disabling medical conditions may permanently alter someone’s ability to do the same job they used to perform. In some scenarios, having the employer change one worker’s job responsibilities is a simple way to accommodate their medical condition. Giving them slightly different tasks to perform or alternating their work more frequently could help them return to work despite their injury.

Other times, a worker may not be able to continue the same kind of work, so moving them into a vacant position in another department, such as in an office position, could help them continue working even after an injury.

Working from home

Many jobs do not require that a worker be physically present at the workplace to perform them. If it is possible to have an employee do their work from home during their convalescence, such arrangements would be mutually beneficial. The worker can continue earning an income, while the company can still rely on someone they trust for a solid job performance.

Accessible work spaces and facilities

Many times, injuries come with functional limitations on someone’s mobility. Especially if a worker requires a wheelchair or crutches to get around, they may need to move to a position on the first floor so that they don’t have to go up stairs every day.

A worker may also require a ramp to get into the building or to access certain parts of the workspace. Accessible lunch rooms and bathrooms are also important. Bigger, accessible stalls can be a crucial accommodation for those dependent on mobility assistance to get around during the work day.

Understanding how employers should support workers with medical issues can make it easier to request accommodations or push back when your employer refuses to support you.