I work in an office and do a lot of typing. I wear support gloves which help cut down on the pain in my hands. I asked my new employer if they would buy me a new pair as needed, since they last about 3-4 months. They said no, because then they'd have to buy them for everyone who would need them. I can't afford the gloves, and they are not available by prescription. What other options do I have? Am I right to be angry?
2007-09-18 12:12:34 · 8 answers · asked by travelinstillness 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
EDIT: I want to be clear in my post that my 2 previous employers paid for these gloves when they needed to be replaced, without any exceptions.
2007-09-18 12:30:25 · update #1
Go on Workman's Comp, that'll learn 'em!
Yes, you have a right to be angry - how many people could possibly "need" them, and how much will that cost vs. employees going on disability? My guess is, they'd be way better off helping their employees to stay comfortable and stay on the job.
2007-09-18 12:26:10 · answer #1 · answered by HyperDog 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They don't have to provide them, but it would be nice if they would. Obviously you can afford them, since you are wearing them. That's probably where they are coming from.
If you go ahead & buy them when needed, and maybe not quite so often, and show them a bill at the end of the year, they might be willing to reimburse you.
They just don't want to get anything started that might get out of control, that's my guess.
And it all comes down to people being responsible for themselves. Employers should not have to provide any extras for some that are not required for all.
2007-09-18 12:23:35 · answer #2 · answered by mia2kl2002 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They are not required by law to provide them for you (although laws like this can vary from state to state), but they are liable if you incur an injury from your work. You may want to read over your employment agreement/contract/employee handbook if one exists...at the end of the day, most companies make reasonable accommodations for things like this because the upside far exceeds the potential consequences.
2007-09-18 12:18:33 · answer #3 · answered by altonmckinley 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unlikely they are required by any law to provide them for you. Are you maybe in the wrong job???? Try something where typing is a minor part of the work or not required at all.
2007-09-18 12:22:24 · answer #4 · answered by coffee 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They do not have to buy it for you. You should tell them they have the choice of buying them for you or paying for your carpel tunnel surgery. I'm pretty sure the gloves are cheaper.
2007-09-18 12:21:13 · answer #5 · answered by Michael C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to HR about your rights in ergonomics, they'll pay for them after that. You may have to get a doctor's note but that's a small price to pay to save your hands.
2007-09-18 12:20:23 · answer #6 · answered by Josh 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no, you are very far from being right.
since you've posted this question, you've access to a computer, right?
why would I waste my valuable typing time, formulating a smart - Alec answer, when all you have to do is go to your state government web site to find your answer....... oh.
whatever
up420oz
2007-09-18 12:27:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
IF you have a doctors note, they have to make reasonable effort to accomidate your disability. But in most cases you will just piss them off , in wich case they will either find a reason to fire you , or make you miserable till you quit.
2007-09-18 12:22:50 · answer #8 · answered by cb98678 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋