Can an employer force you to use a particular medical centre?
My employer insists work related injuries must be seen by the company doctor, with a manager sitting in each consultation. What are my rights here?
I injured myself at work nearly two years ago. When I asked if I could see my own doctor my employer said "no" and that it was policy to see the company doctor. During each visit one of my managers would accompany me and sit in on each consultation. It felt really creepy, invasive, and emotionally distressing, but I felt threatened and intimidated into keeping quiet. I also have other sensitive medical conditions that could have led to adverse treatment at work that I was terrified were going to be exposed. I believe this is done to get people back to work faster than if they saw their own doctor.
I'm not interested in seeking compensation but was just asking about what my rights are. Is this standard practice among New Zealand employers? It's still current policy at this workplace.
Edit: Just to clarify, I don't know if it's actual policy to have managers sit in on consultations. However, I attended four times with three different managers and on each occasion each manager would get up and automatically follow me into the consultation room. Essentially, it was my responsibility to tell them no.