Does an employer of a non-union company have the right to put…

I had a CT scan in Jully of 09, which showed problems in my spine. I am a diesel technician by trade. I thought that telling my employer was "the right thing to do." A doctor's letter to my employer stated restrictions of 25 lbs. pushing, pulling and lifting. I was still able to do 75-80% of my work, and was employed full time. My General Manager took it uppon himself to fill out a disability claim form with our insurance company, while I was still working, and without my knowledge. My doctor, very reluctantly signed the claim form, so I would not be put on short term disability, which my employer threated. Just before Christmas, the insurance company requested more clinical notes from my doctor, but she was not open till the 4th of January. On December 30th, my employer " was sick and tired of the delay", and told me " as of tommorow, I have no choice but to put you on short term disability." Our company policy is that I will get paided for ten days, which ends on the 14th, but I just want to go back to work. I am scared that my job is in jeopardy because I felt I was honest. I have tried to contact my employer, but I have received no reply. According to the insurance compnay, my employer is responsible for providing work, with limitations, until the insurance company has made a decision whether I cannot work. Am I wrong in this thinking? I just want to know, was my employer correct in what he has done, and what course of action should I, or could I take. Thank you.

can he refuse to make these accommodations? or make excuses that he has no other positions that I can fill within the company?. I beleive that even if I make it back to work, things are going to be really tense. Can you elaborate on your comment, "They aren't permitted to say these are the descriptions"

I apologise for the questions, but I really need to have as much information as I can, before my employer pulls some sort of stunt that jeopardises my career. Yes, this helps tremendously, as I have a much clearer idea of what my employers position is on this matter. Truthfully, my job responsibilities did not change until my employer had the doctor's letter in his hands. Now, one last and final question. If my insurance company declines the short term disability claim, then I will not have any money from day 11 onward, because our company policy is 10 days paid leave for S.T.D. If I get a lawyer to write him a letter stateing what you told me, can I get my regualr pay plus interest as of day 11? Thank you so very much for your incite and information on this matter.

Thank you again for your time and patience with my questions.