What are common reasons Workplace medical accommodation (human rights) claims are denied?

Employer states requested accommodation is an undue hardship Insufficient medical documentation of restrictions Essential job duties cannot be performed with any reasonable adjustment Breakdown of the interactive process on either side

All pathways

Canada · education only

Employer

Workplace medical accommodation (human rights)

Employers may have a duty to accommodate disability-related needs up to the point of undue hardship. Processes differ for federally regulated workplaces, provincially regulated employers, and unionized settings.

Typical timeline: Many accommodations are arranged informally in days or weeks; formal human rights complaints can take months to years depending on the forum.

This page is a dedicated, search-friendly version of the same checklist on the main disability benefits guide. Progress checkboxes sync via your browser on this device only.

Claim checklist & evidence

Forms

Step-by-step

1. Request a confidential accommodation meeting with HR
Explain what changed after your hand injury and what you need to remain productive.
Next: Offer reasonable alternatives if the first request cannot be granted.
2. Document agreed adjustments in writing
A short email summary after meetings reduces misunderstandings later.
Next: Revisit the plan if symptoms or job tasks change.

Evidence to gather

Check off items as you collect them — progress is saved only on this device (same keys as the main benefits guide).

Provider letter describing functional limitations and safe capacities — Employers need specifics (grip, lift, typing time) rather than diagnosis alone.
Written job description and essential duties from HR — Supports comparing limitations to real job requirements.

Common reasons claims get denied

Employer states requested accommodation is an undue hardship
Insufficient medical documentation of restrictions
Essential job duties cannot be performed with any reasonable adjustment
Breakdown of the interactive process on either side

Sources

Canadian Human Rights Commission — duty to accommodate · accessed 2026-04-24