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If my employer requires me to check my temperature at the start of every shift, can I refuse?

Because of the pandemic, my employer is considering having all employees take their temperature at the start of every shift.

I feel this is invasive, especially if I'm not exhibiting symptoms. Also, not all patients with Covid-19 have fevers, so its not exactly an accurate way to try and screen.

I've researched and found that this practice is permissible, but I'm curious as to whether or not I can refuse? Could I be disciplined or fired for refusing (I live in NV, an at-will employment state, so technically I could be fired for anything...)? Also, can my employer require testing of customers?

20 Answers

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  • 1 year ago
    Favorite Answer

    You can refuse. You can be fired FOR CAUSE if you refuse.

     Note: Under the orders from some states, you employer may be legally REQUIRED to insist everyone reporting to work have their temperature checked before being permitted to enter.

  • 11 months ago

    It IS invasive because it is a violation of your private health information which is protected . Any medical professional CANNOT share your private medical information such as your temperature with your employer without your permission. It is protected federally under HIPPA. So the company can require you to have your temperature taken as a policy and you can require than your temperature cannot be documented or shared with your employer. So you could still comply and still not allow the information to be shared....so in the end it would be no benefit to your employer.  It's not about being selfish, it's about the fact that health privacy is YOUR right to share and it cannot be compelled against your wish.

  • Anonymous
    1 year ago

    refuse and get fired. your employer  can      require testing of customers.

  • Anonymous
    1 year ago

    If you're worried about accuracy, insist on a rectal temperature.

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  • 1 year ago

    Sure you can refuse.  He can then send you home and tell you to stay here until you agree to have it checked, or fire you on the spot.

  • 1 year ago

    In an at-will state, you can be fired for NO reason. So, go ahead and give them one.

    Yes, the business can require testing of anyone that sets foot on their private property, as long as they don't go about it in a discriminatory way. Customers have the right to refuse and go somewhere else.

  • Eva
    Lv 7
    1 year ago

    Pick your battles carefully. Having your temperature taken is not unreasonable and not invasive. They are doing it for your safety and everyone else's. In theory your employer could require testing of customers. The airlines already do it.

  • 1 year ago

    Yes, and you can stay home from work that day and not get paid. And if you do it often enough he can consider you to have quit.

  • y
    Lv 7
    1 year ago

    Such a small thing to be making a big deal out of, just take your temp, no biggie.

  • 1 year ago

    A lot of places here are using forehead scanners

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