Matheson Philosophy on Workplace Safety and Work Injury Evaluation

Game Changer for Physicians Making Return-to-Work Decisions

  

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My last webinar (Thursday, December 3, at 2 p.m. ET), "Exploring the New Rules of the ADAAA, Part 3" focused on the EEOC's emphasis on work related Reasonable Accommodation. The recent Verizon Communications settlement ($20,000,000) stirred a lot of interest in the subject among employers. We continue to receive feedback and follow-up questions after we host these webinars, showing us that this is what clinicians and evaluators are looking for. We are pleased that you are all finding the intended value in these webinars!

Last week we received the following email. Short and sweet, yet this is the sentiment expressed to us very often regarding our free webinars:

Thanks Roy for doing all the research and work for us on these topics. It is so helpful and convenient. Much appreciated! - Jeanne Griffin, MS, CDMS

Our original plan was to wind up the series in January with a look at Disparate Impact (DI). DI is an oft misunderstood subject that is in actuality fairly straightforward. I use it quite often to test face validity when auditing a post-offer program. But, instead of addressing DI in January, we are going to broadcast a second webinar during the month of December. Tune in  on December 15, 2011 at 2 p.m. eastern to learn more about DI calculation.

The reason we have moved the January webinar to December 15th is because of EEOC v. Hussey Copper. The first medical-legal webinar of the year, January 5, 2012, is important to all physicians who make return to work decisions for employers (as an employee or agent of the company). My take on this case is that it removes yet another brick from the wall separating physicians from professional liability under the ADAAA. Although EEOC v. Hussey Copper resulted in an employer-paid $85,000 fine, the physician's ignorance of the law was clearly the instigating factor in the case.

EEOC v. Hussey Copper is an excellent opportunity for evaluators and ergonomists to strengthen their ties to physicians. Sharing your knowledge of the webinar series and the case with physicians is an excellent way to begin the new year. Invite them to join us in January!

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