Safety Matters

An important part of our mandate at the WCB is supporting a
safe and timely return to work. In 2012, 96% of injured workers were able to
return to their pre-injury employment in a relatively short period of time. In fact
there were 19,000 fewer days lost to injury in 2012 than in 2011.

But in some cases the human toll of workplace injuries can
be significant. When a worker is seriously hurt on the job, it can turn their world
upside down. Their life and the lives of their family members can be completely
disrupted.

Morgan Stobbe knows only too well how devastating workplace
injury can be. Back in September of 2010 Morgan suffered a catastrophic
workplace injury when his arm was crushed as a result of a mechanical failure
and had to be amputated. But right from day one Morgan was determined that his
injury wasn’t going to hold him back. Thanks to his determination, the support
of his girlfriend, family and friends, his employer Cherubini Metal Works and
his WCB Case Manager Niko Mitsiopoulos, Morgan was back to work in just nine
months.

“The thought of not going back to work never crossed my
mind,” says Morgan. “But I got back sooner because the WCB and my employer
recognized I was ready to be productive and helped make it happen. I also
wouldn’t have made it through without the amazing support of my girlfriend,
family and friends. Now my goal is to help others avoid a situation like mine
and in my new role I get to do that. My artificial arm sends a pretty strong
message of the dangers in the workplace and people listen to what I have to
say.” Morgan is now a Safety Officer with Cherubini metal Works.

Creating a successful Return-to-Work program requires a team
effort. Strong partnerships must be at the heart of any program, and each
partner must have a clear understanding of their role and responsibilities.
When all partners work together and share their knowledge and expertise, a
Return-to-Work program will run smoothly and efficiently.

Returning to work is important because it:

Reduces or eliminates lost-earnings

Helps injured workers stay active, which speeds up recovery

Minimizes the impact on family members

Shifts the focus from what you ‘can’t do’ to what you ‘can do’

Maintains a sense of confidence and value

Allows injured workers to stay connected to co-workers and the workplace

For more information about the importance of return-to-work programs and available support,

visit http://www.worksafeforlife.ca/Home/GettingStarted/ForEmployers/ReturnToWork.aspx