Is This Discrimination???

Hi,

I’m currently 15 weeks pregnant and work as a surgical technician. A significant part of my job involves lifting heavy instrument pans (weighing 15–40 pounds) to restock them. Around 5–6 weeks into my pregnancy, I informed my charge nurse that I shouldn’t be lifting heavier instruments due to a hematoma outside of my placenta. Despite this, no adjustments were made to my work assignments.

Earlier this week, while lifting one of these instrument pans, I felt a sharp cramp in my back and lower stomach. I went directly to my supervisor and explained that I didn’t feel safe lifting the instruments and asked if accommodations could be made, such as switching assignments with another employee. Her response was, “Maybe this isn’t the job for you. There’s no way I can accommodate that.” She then suggested I see Employee Health.

I followed her advice, and my doctor provided a letter restricting me from lifting over 15 pounds. I turned this into Employee Health, who contacted my supervisor and asked her to make reasonable accommodations for me. About 30 minutes later, my supervisor called me into her office and informed me that she couldn’t accommodate me, stating, “I don’t need anyone getting hurt up here.” She then sent me home and told me not to return until Occupational Health contacts me.

When I asked about getting paid during this time, she said the time off would come out of my PTO, but I don’t have much PTO left.

I want to know if this is legal. Can my supervisor refuse to accommodate me and force me to take unpaid leave or use my limited PTO? I’m not sure what to do next. Any guidance or legal advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!