If you are pregnant and your doctor gives you limitations such as a not being able to lift over 15 lbs, does your employer have to accomodate that?
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If you are pregnant and your doctor gives you limitations such as a not being able to lift over 15 lbs, does your employer have to accomodate that?
Asked on June 12, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, California
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
An employer has to make "reasonable accomodations," such as changes to job duties. A reasonable accomodation is one that is not too disruptive or costly, and lets the worker do her job. So, if you are a cashier, a graphic artist, a date-entry or customer service person, etc., where lifting weight is incidental to your job, the employer should be able to--and would be required to--accomodate you. But if you work in a warehouse say, or a manufacturing plant, or for a contractor or landscaper, where you cannot do your job without lifting more than 15 lbs, the employer would not have to accomodate you and could likely legally terminate you;l employers do not have to retain or pay employees who cannot do the job for which they are hired.
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