SCENARIO

A crane operator works at construction sites hoisting concrete panels weighing several tons. An assistant on the ground helps him load the panels, and several other workers help him position them. During a break, the crane operator appears to become light-headed, has to sit down abruptly, and seems to have some difficulty catching his breath. In response to a question from his supervisor about whether he is feeling all right, the crane operator says that this has happened to him a few times during the past several months, but he does not know why.

The employer has areasonable belief,based on objective evidence, that the employee will poseaDirect Threatif he continues on the job (Direct threat -a significant risk of substantial harm to self or others that cannot be reduced or eliminated through reasonable accommodation.)

The Employer, therefore, pursuant to the law, requires the crane operator to have a medical examination to ascertain whether the symptoms he is experiencing make him unfit to perform his job.

To ensure that it receives sufficient information to make this determination, the employer may want to provide the doctor who does the examination with a description of the employee's duties, including any physical qualification standards, and require that the employee provide documentation of his ability to work following the examination.