does an employer have a right to ask about your symptoms after you call in sick?
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does an employer have a right to ask about your symptoms after you call in sick?
My wife called in sick for 2 days in a row. Her supervisor called midday the second day she was out and asked what her symptoms were. They were legitimate symptoms my wife told her and the supervisor took her off the schedule for 2 more days without pay.
Asked on December 6, 2018 under Employment Labor Law, Washington
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
Yes, your employer is allowed to ask you questions about an illness after calling in sick. The fact is that your illness could have ramifications for your company regarding the health and safety of the workplace. For example, a co-worker could be handling heavy machinery and could injure themselves or others if become disoriented due to the symptoms of the flu or other illness.
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
Yes, they do, because the symptoms could represent either a threat to co-worker or customer health (e.g. flu symptoms), or to the employee's own safety or ability to safely do his/her job (e.g. dizziness in someone who has to climb ladders or drive a vehicle). A company is allowed to inquire into illness since it can affect health, safety, or liability.
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