My pregnant employee just told me that she has a lifting restriction of no more than 20 pounds for the last three months of her pregnancy. Her job description clearly states that she must lift up to 50 pounds on occasion. What does my company do?
Assuming your company has more than fifteen employees, the new Pregnant Workers Fairness Act mandates that the company reasonably accommodate any pregnancy-related restrictions – even if the reason for the restrictions does not rise to the level of a disability. Such accommodations may include lifting restrictions, more frequent breaks, flexible work schedules, preferred parking, correct fitting uniforms/safety gear, the ability to sit, or time off – to name just a few. When presented with a request for a pregnancy-related accommodation, the employer must implement a reasonable accommodation, unless it would be an undue hardship. Note that over thirty states already have similar laws in place, so compliance with both the Federal and states laws on this issue is a must.