Could You Be Fired for Lying About Your Smoking Habit?

ABC News ^ | 4.23.08 | Barbara Pinto

[adversarial]

I’m sick of paying for fat fatties and smokers health problems.

OK, so what about self righteous jerks? are you tired of paying for them too?

[The Great RJ]

These idiots were smoking on the employer's premises and deservedly were fired. While I generally agree on the reasons for the firing, I fear the old slippery slope.

What I do on my off time and in my own home is none of my employer's business. Could my employer require me to refrain from eating fatty foods or drinking alcohol as these too are health risks? Could my employer prohibit me from engaging in certain hobby activities such as sky diving or automobile racing? There is precedent for employers doing unannounced drug screens looking for illicit drugs, but couldn't an employer just as easily look for employees who are taking anti-depressants or tranquilizers?

[netmilsmom]

>>OK, so what about self righteous jerks? are you tired of paying for them too? <<

Great Post! Thanks!

[trumandogz]

Headline should be changed to read:

Could You Be Fired for Committing Insurance Fraud?

[OnRightOnLeftCoast]

<< we need ourselves a regulatory agency to ensure that you are, indeed, in shape.>>

Warm up the black helicopter's!

International Obesity TaskForce

[GATOR NAVY]

"all who had falsely claimed they were non-smokers to get a $500 discount on their company health insurance"

I agree. These people committed fraud. That's the primary issue. That's why they face separation.

Should companies be allowed to charge smokers more for health insurance? That's an entirely separate issue.

[Just another Joe]

Well, mom, I gotta say that I find no fault with the company suspending the people that said they didn't smoke to save money on their insurance premium when they actually did smoke.

All they had to do was state that they smoked and they wouldn't have been suspended.

That being said, it shouldn't even be a question.
Let people buy their own insurance, period.
Just like taxes, if they knew what they were actually paying there would be a revolt.

[Publius6961]

If I take care my health, I shouldn't have to shell out more for those who think that being the size of a blimp or chain smoking is OK.

I take it that you're OK with HIV, STD infestations, rock climbers, base jumpers, bull riders, skydivers, scuba divers, spelunkers, motorcycle riders, racing enthusiasts, Pamplona aficionados, etc. etc?

[AuntB]

You’re not quoting me, someone else said that. But my answer is yes. You missed my point, and btw, I smoke.

[netmilsmom]

>>That being said, it shouldn’t even be a question.
Let people buy their own insurance, period.
Just like taxes, if they knew what they were actually paying there would be a revolt. <<

That’s exactly what I hoped you would say. You’ve said it before!!! (see? I do remember stuff, now tell Netmilsdad!)