From left: Marlene McCluskey, David Bell, Robert Taylor and Cindy Shupe.

Re-engineering

David Bell was working in the sawmill at Taylor Lumber in Halifax County when his life changed.Working as a Twin Saw Operator, David was positioning logs into the machine’s feeder when a log became jammed. David moved to free the logs and, while lifting one, he injured his back.

After back surgery, David spent several months attending physiotherapy to help him recover some of the strength and mobility in his back and legs. The nature of David’s injury and the physical nature of the work he was performing meant that he would not be able to return to his pre-accident job.

His WCB Case Manager, Cindy Shupe, began discussions with David and his employer, Robert Taylor, about a possible return-to-work date. They discussed what the options might be for David, and the employer indicated that Taylor Lumber would be willing to accommodate him in alternate duties. “Robert brought several options to the table, including working in some of the company’s other operations, or altering some of the duties of the job at the mill itself.” says Cindy.

“Our company’s operations and our return-to-work program give us the flexibility to look at a number of different options for a successful return,” says Robert. “We can really focus on what’s best for the worker and the company.”

Taylor Lumber gave David a job in the mill that did not have the same physical requirements as his old job, and at first, David was very successful in his return to work. However, over time Robert and David felt that David was having difficulties with this new position and that there may be a risk of re-injury if he continued in that role. “Robert approached me with a new opportunity that would allow David to work towards becoming a stationary engineer,” says Cindy. “David thought the on-the-job training would be a great opportunity, and also felt this type of work wouldn’t cause difficulties with his back.”

Cindy, in conjunction with WCB Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Marlene McCluskey, met with David and Robert to develop a vocational rehabilitation (VR) plan. The plan outlined David’s goals and objectives, the role each member of the team would play and David’s and the employer’s responsibilities. David would work as an apprentice with a Stationary Engineer already working with Taylor Lumber, and the WCB would pay for his training courses and his eventual professional certification. Taylor Lumber would provide him with the opportunity to serve his apprenticeship and time off to study for the certification exam.

“The program has really worked out for David. It helps our workers manage their injury and helps the company stay productive,” says Robert.

After his apprenticeship, David passed the certification exam and was hired full-time by Taylor Lumber as a Class 4 Engineer working in the co-generation plant. “Taylor Lumber has been terrific with David. They made every attempt to help David return to work, and gave him a chance to work in a completely new field,” says Marlene.

“The whole experience was a lot of hard work, but the WCB and Taylor Lumber really supported me all along the way,” says David.

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