Workers' Compensation Discussion Forums

Hello, I'm new here.
I've been trying to find an answer to a question but,
haven't been able to.
Perhaps someone here can answer it for me?
I live in Tennessee.
It's a long story but my question is,
can my employer force me to work light duty second shift???
I have never applied for second shift, always worked first shift with them. I've been on light duty for a few months now, office work answering phones, then medical records-filing.
Now, they are making me come in on first shift,
then stay onto second shift. Can they legally do that?
Can they "make" me work odd hours?
I told my HR person that I don't work second shift and she said that
"what ever they tell me to do, I have to agree"???
Any advice??

The State You are in would Help Tremendously in getting a Correct Answer, but for a General Answer: If Your Employer Follows the Guidelines that are set Forth by Your Dr. for Light Duty, and You don't have a Union to Step in for You, the Answer is Yes, they can Make You Work any Shift they have Work for You! Most States are "At Will" Work States, meaning that You Work at Your Will, and they can Fire You for just about Anything other than Race, Age, Gender, Disability, and so on. It's a Shame to Say, but they can Bounce Your Shift around if it doesn't Cause You any Undue Stress, and they stay within Your Light Duty Restrictions!! Best of Luck to You!! Wink

Thanks for your reply,
I'm in Tennessee

Not sure about your state but yes in general employers can make you work any shift they have as long as they follow the restriction. Some do it because that is when they have work you can do with in those restrictions and some do it because it makes things harder on the employee. It's a way to get back at you for being injuried, it's not right but then not much with WC is good for the employee

no you don't have to but they also don't have to pay disability if you chose not to.
it's their job and their insurance.

Innessa

Still in Limbo

Innessa

Manley2

1171