I am allergic to my job.

[jls74]

I have been an HVAC service tech for about 4 years now. About a year after I started I began to have sinus problems. After a few bouts with sinus infections, I went to an allergy specialist and found out that I have a moderate to severe allergy to house dust. I kept it under control for awhile with meds now they aren't working. I have had 2 bouts with pneumonia in the past three months. On top of all of this I was having back problems and found out that I have scoliosis and a degenerative back disease.

when I reported my problems to my supervisor, he told me that if I couldn't breathe and I didn't have a good back that I wasn't any use to him. I requested to be steered toward more commercial jobs, because it does not affect my allergies as bad. He laughed at me and said I wasn't going to get any special treatment. So now even if I do get sick I have to hide it from the office from fear of getting fired.

I have a feeling that they are going fire me soon. Which will be better for my health, but since I have had so many health problems my savings is empty and I cannot get another job in a differant career that will cover my budget. I am the sole bread winner for the house so I will lose everything.

I am not trying to boo hoo to you guys, I am just wondering if any of you know someone who has gone through something similar, or can offer some advice. I am getting desperate.

I have signed up to go back to school for Building Automation, but that will take me a year or so to complete.

Thanks for any advice.

[keeplearnin]

Can't you go out on disability? It would seem like you should lawyer up now. I am not a lawyer but you do have rights a company just can't fire you for health reasons.

[Roadhouse]

Mr. Keeplearnin' is right on the monkey, IMO.

[jls74]

I am looking into the disability, the company just started disability insurance last year and there is a clause in it that says that it doesn't cover preexisting conditions.

[keeplearnin]

It shouldn't matter if you are working presently and have gotten sick. Just call a lawyer.

[CincyHVAC]

I am looking into the disability, the company just started disability insurance last year and there is a clause in it that says that it doesn't cover preexisting conditions.

Your allergy to house dust wasn't pre-existing when you were hired.

What about the scoliosis and back problems? Is there a medical history that pre-dates your employment with this company?

[jls74]

I just found out about the back problems about a month and a half ago. I have to go to physical therapy three times a week. I am supposed to go today if I get off work in time. I am not allowed to time off for that. Three times a week is too many. I was able to schedule it for tues. and thurs. evenings and saturday mornings.

I called the place where I have the disability insurance and they are supposed to call me back.

[keeplearnin]

Just go to work every day like your supposed too. and remember I am not a lawyer.

[midhvac]

I really feel for you, but surely you realize you're in the wrong line of work. My brother's also allergic to dust. He wanted me to give him a job once, and I laughed too. Nobody here's a lawyer. And if they were, they'd tell you to find a new vocation - if they were being honest with you.
I too have degenerative disc disease. And it severely limits what I can do. But luckily I don't *also* have allergies or scoliosis like you.
Time to put on your thinking cap and retool. Maybe take some night school courses for a sit-down job.

[jls74]

Thanks guys,

I feel a little better now. I think I am beginning to see where I stand as far as my rights go. I am going to go ahead and talk to a lawyer and get it all on record. Meanwhile I will try to keep to doing everything by the book at work.