The Workplace Relations Commission found that Healthwise Pharmacy did not discriminate against pharmacy technician Lindsey Toner in a disability discrimination complaint concerning face coverings at work. The decision by adjudication officer Shay Henry was dated 7 September 2023.
Toner said she could not wear a mask for prolonged periods and offered to wear a visor or put on a mask briefly when speaking with customers. The pharmacy said public health advice required staff to wear masks and that it could not offer her a suitable alternative role.
The officer considered whether Toner could work without a face covering or in another area with less contact. The decision said the pharmacy had acted on public health advice, no other roles were available, and reasonable accommodation did not require it to allow her to work without a face covering in the circumstances. The complaint was found not well founded.