Assignment Task:
Cen co. is a logging company operating in Ontario. It employs 30 employees in various jobs such as tree faller, yard operator, truck driver, machine operator, logging skidder operator and yard operator. The jobs are physically demanding and the company ensures all employees are given safety training before they carry out their jobs. The company has a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol and substance use, a common problem among workers in the industry. Workers have to sign off on the policy as a condition of employment. In 2019, two workers had an incident and suffered minor injuries. An investigation was conducted, it was found the two workers had been smoking Cannabis earlier in the day and were impaired. Both workers were fired for being impaired at work.
The company also has a furniture shop where it uses some of the logged wood to make custom built furniture pieces. At the furniture store, the company hires 20 employees in positions such as carpenters, furniture restorers, upholsters, stock handler, and has 4 office staff and a manager.
Al has been working with the company as a truck driver since the past ten years. He has worked in several different positions such as falling, loading, harvesting and hauling timber. In late 2018, he was diagnosed with cancer and had to take time off to recover.
With cancer in remission, Al returned to work in 2019 as a truck driver. Since then, he has been experiencing constant pain in his joints due to the chemotherapy sessions. In late 2020, Al had to take time off again due to the pain. To obtain relief from his pain Al's doctor initially prescribed different drugs however, nothing worked. His doctor recommended Al try medicinal Cannabis to ease the pain. The doctor informed Al, the quickest effects occur with inhalation of the vaporized form. Al was prescribed medicinal Cannabis in vaporized form and has been able to manage his pain. He has returned to work and submitted a Doctor's note for his medicinal Cannabis use to manage the pain for the next six months to his supervisor. His restrictions mainly stem from the joint pain he experiences. He has indicated he would like to resume work in his previous role as a truck driver. As an HR professional, you are responsible for Al's return to work and his accommodation.
Describe the specific accommodation measures or solutions which you would recommend in your plan based upon the employee's condition. Your plan must outline the following considering
- Al's possible restrictions / limitations.
- timelines/dates
- work schedule
- duties / alternate duties
- any modifications / assistive devices