The cut off date is fast approaching for Q-COMP's Return to work
Awards 2011, with nominations closing 8th July.
The Return to work Awards is the only event in Queensland that
celebrates the achievements of injured workers who get back to
work, along with the employers, case managers, rehabilitation and
return to work coordinators and health providers who work
tirelessly to help them reach their goals.
Mackay local Todd Gavan was nominated for his sheer
determination to return to the workforce after a cherry picker
suspended four storeys in the air became dislodged and pinned him
to a piece of sheet metal for several minutes.
At the time, Todd had been working on a coal terminal three
kilometres offshore, and by the time he arrived at hospital, his
arm had swollen to twice its normal size and turned black.
It took about a year for the swelling to go down enough for the
doctors to ascertain the extent of his injuries.
Todd said that he encountered many barriers as a result of his
injury.
"I did get really frustrated by my injury initially. My kids are
a huge part of my social life, and even now on a bad day I still
struggle to pick them up. I am forced to just sit there and watch
my wife struggle to mow the lawn in 40 degree heat, plus always
cook dinner and clean up, and help me shower and drive me
everywhere. It has been really hard on them."
After several surgeries, physiotherapy and hand therapy, Todd
has overcome many challenges to return to work - albeit in a
different role.
"At the start I didn't know much about the protocol in the
office environment because I used to be a labourer out on the
tools, but the rehabilitation officer here was brilliant. They just
gave me little jobs that were not too strenuous and once I had
completed them all easily, he would give me slightly bigger and
bigger jobs."
Todd's advice for others facing a similar situation is to stay
open-minded and know how to promote yourself within a company.
After convincing his company of the need for a training
department, Todd has undergone multiple courses and is now their
Training Coordinator for Queensland.
"I love teaching and I have always wanted to do it, but I never
thought I would be able to get my foot in the door. In turns out
being in the wrong place at the right time was the greatest
opportunity. Know that no matter how bad the injury is, the point
is that you are alive and life goes on. Just take it one day at a
time."
His triumphant and inspirational story epitomises the essence of
Q-COMP's Return to work Awards.
If you know someone from the Mackay region who has a fantastic
return to work story, please nominate them for an award by
8th July.
To nominate someone, please visit qcompconference.com.au or call
us on 1300 389 177.
Every nominee will receive a certificate of recognition, with
each individual award winner receiving up to $2,000 in prize
money.
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If you would like an interview with either Todd Gavan or our
Return to work Awards Manager, please contact Virginia Hollands on
07 3020 6405 or Virginia.hollands@qcomp.com.au