Commonwealth, Department of Transportation v. Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission

OPINION

McDERMOTT, Justice.

This is an appeal from the order of the Commonwealth Court affirming the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission’s determination that appellant, Commonwealth Department of Transportation (PennDOT), unlawfully discriminated against complainant, Richard E. Law, when it rejected his application for a position as Storekeeper II in the Berks County Maintenance Department on the basis of a non-job related handicap or disability.

While working as an equipment operator for PennDOT in 1976, complainant injured his back. The injury restricted his ability to safely lift heavy…