Worker fired over amphetamines test loses appeal

A crane operator fired by Phillips 66 in Ponca City after he tested positive for amphetamines lost his appeal with the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver.

The court ruled against Richard Turner who complained his firing violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. Turner contended he fell under the ADA because of his allergies. An Oklahoma City federal judge disagreed and issued a ruling in favor of Phillips 66.

Turner was fired in April 2017 after a random drug test proved positive for amphetamines. He contended later he had been taking over-the-counter medications including Sudafed.

He also filed a discrimination charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission which dismissed the charge.