I live in Mississippi. I was just told that I would be working 12 hour days, 6 days a week. Currently, I am working 50 hour a week. The job is very physical and I cannot work 72 hours a week (even temporarily) without an additional negative affect on my health, back pain, neck pain, arm pain, leg pain etc. Can I refuse the addition overtime without repercussions from the company.....i.e. firing?
Thank you,
Tim

Probably not.

But hang on for further responses.

Does your employer know of your restrictions? Has a doctor communicated specific restrictions to you?

Thanks Patty!
My pains are not a medical condition, per say. But more of a fact of life. I'm 51, working a physical job......up/down ladders, confined spaces, high voltage,, etc. I don't think anyone half my age could do the amount of work I do in 40-50 hours, because I give it my all. To ask for more hours at my level of work pace is crazy. (It's the old adage, where the good workers always get even more work :( when others can slack off most of the day and get away with it.) Where are the laws to protect me? I thought 40 hours was full time and anything after that was voluntary.

It was put to me that a "select few" would have to work 12 hour/6 day shifts. Ouch!
Thanks,
Tim

Your employer is begging for you and other over-worked employees to start experiencing work related strains and sprains and subsequently file worker's compensation claims but no laws require management to exercise good judgment. Yes, they can require you to work these additonal hours and fire you if you refuse.

If you haven't already, why don't you have a chat (nicely) with your manager and explain why it's going to be difficult for you to work the extra hours. No need to bring up your age (in fact, I wouldn't) but rather that you and the others are working very physically demanding jobs and ask if there isn't some way to spread the overtime around so a handful of you who are already feeling tired don't end up totally exhausted and perhaps start experiencing job-related injuries. Focus your conversation on the business issues (such as employees are more productive when they've had sufficient rest) which is more likely to get through to the boss.

Thanks Beth! I've certainly had my eyes open here. I will use the logic you offered in my conversations. I don't mind working overtime but they are getting crazy with the hours now. You are right, no one can be at their best with 72 hour work weeks.
Thanks again to everyone,
Tim