Penn Hills veteran contends mask wearing at work prompted Iraq flashbacks

A retired member of the Pennsylvania National Guard is suing his employer, alleging that being forced to wear a mask to prevent the spread of covid-19 prompted PTSD and flashbacks from his time serving in Iraq.

Andrew Voigt, 52, of Penn Hills, filed the complaint in U.S. District Court on Monday, claiming discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

He works as an engineer with Fluor Marine Propulsion LLC, of West Mifflin, at the Bettis Worksite.

Fluor is a subcontractor for the U.S. government and does research and development along with production supervision for nuclear propulsion equipment, according to the lawsuit.

Voigt, who deployed to Iraq in 2004 and retired from the National Guard in 2009, began working at Fluor in September 2016.

Voigt suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder relating to his prior military service in May from attempting to wear a covid-19 mask, according the complaint.

“This disability substantially impairs his concentration, focus and sleep and causes flashbacks,” the lawsuit said.

During the first few months of the pandemic, the lawsuit said, Voigt’s supervisor allowed him to work without a mask.

Then, in August when Fluor announced masks would be mandatory, Voigt sought an accommodation request.

In September, the company asked for a letter from Voigt’s primary care physician, who provided a note on Oct. 2.

On Oct. 28, during a meeting with human resources, Voigt asked to be permitted to work mask free or be provided another accommodation such as social distancing; working less busy shifts or working from home.

The company refused all the options, according to the lawsuit.

Voigt was told he either had to wear a mask or apply for short-term disability, which he did.

A message left with Fluor was not immediately returned.