Employer Requiring Everyone To Sign A Document That Waives Statute Of Limitations.

Employer put out a new handbook and have required everyone sign 4 documents in the back of the book. There are two main things that are new that I take issue with and would like to see what those who are well-versed in the law think.

1.) There is a clause that states:

“I agree that in consideration of my employment or continued employment, any claim or lawsuit arising out of my employment with, or my application of employment with, [COMPANY NAME] must be filed no more than six months after the date of the employment action that is subject of the claim or lawsuit.

While I understand that the statute of limitations for claims arising out of an employment action may be longer than six months, I agree to be bound by the six-month period of limitations set forth herein, and I WAIVE ANY STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS TO THE CONTRARY. Should a court determine in some future lawsuit that this provision allows an unreasonably short period of time to commence a lawsuit, the court shall enforce this provision as far as possible and shall declare the lawsuit barred unless it was brought within the minimum reasonable time within which the suite should have commenced.”

Is this common? I don’t feel comfortable signing away a legal right; especially given some of the company’s history and how it’s treated other employees. This feels like no small concession they are asking of me.

2.) There is a consent to search form that is worded vaguely without directly outlining under what reasonable cause, to look for what, etc:

“I recognize that the use or abuse of alcohol, drugs (including marijuana lawfully obtained under state law), or any chemical substance by any employee can create an unsafe working environment.

Therefore, I voluntarily consent to a search by [COMPANY NAME] of my person or personal effects, locker, personal and company vehicles, or other items brought on [COMPANY NAME] property or work sites.”

I understand I don’t necessarily have the right to privacy with whatever bags or belongings I bring into the office, and I don’t have a locker. But can they search my personal vehicle without listing any reason why besides ‘these things are dangerous’ and without outlining what they would be searching for?

As a side note, both documents end with the following statement:

“Furthermore, I understand that my failure to sign this form will result in not being considered further for employment by [COMPANY NAME.]”

For context, this is in the state of Ohio.