"Georgia Power, EEOC Settle Disabilities Lawsuit for $1.6M", 16 Nov 2016

Georgia Power Co. has agreed to pay almost $1.6 million to settle a lawsuit alleging the utility violated federal law by refusing to hire applicants and firing employees with disabilities that it believed posed safety threats without making individual assessments...It also would require Georgia Power to modify some of its employment policies and to train its managers regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act’s requirements...“The safety of our employees is our top priority and we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment for all of our 7,000-plus employees across the state,” a Georgia Power spokesman said...Georgia Power denies it violated the ADA. But it settled to “avoid the additional expense, delay and uncertainty that would result” from continued litigation...The company agreed to modify its seizure and alcohol and drug policies, and to formalize its process of ensuring workers can safely perform their jobs, because of its over-arching commitment to safety, the company spokesman said...The EEOC sued based on discrimination charges from Georgia Power job applicants or employees whom the company either refused to hire or wouldn’t reinstate from medical leaves because of perceived safety risks...