[novorapid]

just a question to you all i lost my job through a work accident i have 2 herniated discs, i have been on workers compensation for a while but that has now come to an end, but when i apply for a job or jobs, it seems the job application form now seems to ask a million questions about health and other things obviously the diabetes question is there, and of course i answer yes, i'm a type 1, 5 needles a day. but i never seem to get a call for the job, now i'm not saying the employer is prejudice and throws the application away, but i was wondering if anyone else has experienced anything similar. and plus i'm 44 years old which i guess does not help.

[R2112]

That just not right? I'm not sure what the rights are in Canada but here in California the employer cannot look into your medical records at all without your approval? Now the Insurance company is a different story.

[odp1979]

Is that legal? I have never heard of people asking about medical problems maybe a question that asks if you can perform the task without accomodation.... ?

[Jan B]

Could be your age. When I was in my twenties I saw serious age discrimination against anyone over 40! That company wanted your life (to own you); they were afraid they couldn't control the older folks, but could bribe the younger ones w/a good salary and position!

I don't think having type 1 diabetes has ever kept me from getting a job. Maybe I'm just ignorant, and don't know it happened! I don't think it's legal here to discriminate like that.

[JediSkipdogg]

In the USA they can't discriminate against anyone for diabetes. They also can't technically ask you about it unless you tell them first. However, in the US if they ask if you have any conditions that could cause a problem for a job or inhibit the way you work someday, you have to tell them. If you don't and said item happens (say you run low) then you are liable to be fired.

For example, you apply at UPS to drive a truck and don't tell them about your diabetes and have an accident with thier truck from your diabetes, they can fire you and make you pay for all damages if they weren't aware of it.

The problem is, the OP is in Canada and I don't know what laws would apply there.

[novorapid]

after my accident i needed to find new employment, it was on the application forms that you have these questions, health related and others, when i was working my employer bent over backwards to accomodate me even giving me an extra 10 minutes so i could do my injection etc etc. no problems when i was working . but now on the application forms i fill out you have a miriad of questions to answer. so i was thinking this may be hindering my chances.

[dodo]

May I ask what kind of job you are looking for? I'm from Quebec City and I've never filled out an application form asking for these kind of information. And just like in the USA I think an employer can't discriminate against anyone for diabetes. Maybe you could contact the "RAMQ" or the Labour Standard in Quebec to know your rights. It does not seem right to me.

And I wish you good luck!

[SGT Shoutmore]

Ever thought about going to work at an insulin pump or diabeic supply company? They sure seem to like hiring diabetics. Of course, if you do go to work at one, remember me when you get a bunch of freebie stuff!

[JediSkipdogg]

Originally Posted by SGT Shoutmore

Ever thought about going to work at an insulin pump or diabeic supply company? They sure seem to like hiring diabetics. Of course, if you do go to work at one, remember me when you get a bunch of freebie stuff!

Good luck on that. I tried that a while back and I was rejected cause I didn't have "sales" experience and wasn't a certified nurse/doctor to do training. I then being the smarta** that I am asked how many of their trainers and sales reps used their pumps and they said most. I said point proven, I'd rather buy a pump from a pump user than a guy trying to get my 2 cents on something he's never used.

I wish diabetic companies would discrimate against everyone but diabetics when hiring.

[centuryhouse]

I think if you look into the Quebec Human Rights Code and Freedoms that you will find that it's illegal to ask questions that don't pertain specifically to the applicant's ability to do the job. Ex. You must be able to lift 40 lbs. I know in Ontario that these types of discriminating questions are illegal under the Ontario Human Rights Code and you can file a complaint if you think you are being discriminated against. Do you have to fill out an application? Can you submit a resume instead? This might help bypass the need to answer those discriminating questions.

[JungleJim]

In the US you can't be asked any medical questions until the employer makes a "conditional offer of employment". In other words they are saying that they have decided to hire you, but want a physical, drug screen, ect. This way if they turn you down after the conditional offer, they better be able to back the decision up, other than being scared of a diabetic. This rule is in place to protect the applicant in just these cases.

That doesn't keep the interviewer from describing the physical aspects of the job and asking if you are able to do it. It gives you the opportunity to establish that you are qualified for the job and keeps out any prejudices the employer might have about a medical condition until he makes an offer of employment.

[DanG]

Originally Posted by JungleJim

In the US you can't be asked any medical questions until the employer makes a "conditional offer of employment". In other words they are saying that they have decided to hire you, but want a physical, drug screen, ect. This way if they turn you down after the conditional offer, they better be able to back the decision up, other than being scared of a diabetic. This rule is in place to protect the applicant in just these cases.

I guess I would lie in this type situation.
I don't tell license place about my use of insulin - it's not like it's heroin.
I think I would lie and take the liability if/when sometihing happens. Otherwise, you might be looking at no income anyway?

[SGT Shoutmore]

Originally Posted by JediSkipdogg

I wish diabetic companies would discrimate against everyone but diabetics when hiring.

Amen and pass the ammo!!