I work in manufacturing, and two years ago, I injured my right shoulder on the job. They wouldn’t do an MRI because insurance said it wasn’t necessary. They just gave me some temporary restrictions, so I was moved to the office for a while. After a bit, I was cleared to work and asked for a different job that was less physically demanding since my shoulder was still sore. I’ve switched jobs a couple of times since then, but now my shoulder is acting up again. My boss asked me to do the original job where I got hurt, and after I did, my shoulder started hurting more. Now HR says there are only two jobs I can do here, and they’re super boring, repetitive work. They’ve decided this without a doctor’s restriction. Can they legally do this?
Man, that sounds frustrating. Legally, if there’s no doctor restriction, they shouldn’t be limiting you. Seems like they’re just going off of what your boss said.
Addison said:
Man, that sounds frustrating. Legally, if there’s no doctor restriction, they shouldn’t be limiting you. Seems like they’re just going off of what your boss said.
Exactly! I feel like it’s just her way of getting rid of me. No medical reason, just her opinion. 
Addison said:
Man, that sounds frustrating. Legally, if there’s no doctor restriction, they shouldn’t be limiting you. Seems like they’re just going off of what your boss said.
Can you ask HR to put in writing why they’re limiting your job options? That way, if you need it later, you’ve got proof.
@Morgan
That’s a good idea. They don’t have anything in writing so far, just what they’ve told me.
If they’re making these decisions without any medical basis, that sounds like it could be a problem, especially if they’re doing it just based on hearsay from your boss.
Denver said:
If they’re making these decisions without any medical basis, that sounds like it could be a problem, especially if they’re doing it just based on hearsay from your boss.
Agreed. Sounds like a potential case for retaliation or discrimination, especially if your boss has it out for you.
Denver said:
If they’re making these decisions without any medical basis, that sounds like it could be a problem, especially if they’re doing it just based on hearsay from your boss.
Yeah, it feels that way. And I don’t want to make it worse because two of my family members work here too.
Honestly, if you’re cleared by a doctor and don’t have restrictions, they shouldn’t be limiting you. Maybe check with someone who knows employment law.
Cael said:
Honestly, if you’re cleared by a doctor and don’t have restrictions, they shouldn’t be limiting you. Maybe check with someone who knows employment law.
Yep, if there’s no medical reason, they’re just making this up as they go.
If this is based on what your boss told them, it seems like they’re trying to push you out. Maybe document everything, just in case you need to take it further.
Vann said:
If this is based on what your boss told them, it seems like they’re trying to push you out. Maybe document everything, just in case you need to take it further.
Good call. I’ve been keeping notes, but I might need to do more.
Vann said:
If this is based on what your boss told them, it seems like they’re trying to push you out. Maybe document everything, just in case you need to take it further.
If they keep this up without proper reasons, you might have grounds to file a complaint. Just saying.
And since your boss seems to have it out for you, just be careful. Maybe consider looking into the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) if things get worse.
Addison said:
And since your boss seems to have it out for you, just be careful. Maybe consider looking into the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) if things get worse.
I’ll look into that if it keeps going. Thanks for the advice!