Problem: Last August, I injured my back while on the job and was off work for two months. After numerous CT scans, an MRI and a myelogram, my doctors found that I have a herniated disk.
Although this injury caused and still causes me great pain, my doctors determined that I didn’t need surgery and that I’ll just have to learn to live with the pain. I am a truck driver, which means I do a lot of heavy lifting, pulling and pushing of various objects. Upon returning to work, my company could not transfer me to another, less strenuous position.
I am faced with having to find another occupation or continuing with this type of work and risking further injury. All I know is trucking, and I don’t know where to begin to look. Could you help me with what types of jobs I could get?
Solution: We checked with the Industrial Commission of Illinois, which handles worker’s compensation disputes. It publishes the “Handbook on Worker’s Compensation and Occupational Diseases,” which states that, “where appropriate, the employer must pay for treatment, instruction and training necessary for the physical, mental and vocational rehabilitation of the employee, including all maintenance costs and incidental expenses. The employee must cooperate in a reasonable (rehab) program.
“The employee may choose the provider of such vocational rehabilitation services or may accept the services of a provider selected by the employer.”
For someone to advise you on changing careers, he or she needs to know such things as your education and skills, your likes and dislikes. So, you need to consult a vocational counselor. But first you should meet with your employer or its insurance carrier to discuss a good rehab plan.
Problem: I work for a supervisor who acts like my requests for training or supplies come out of his own paycheck. I can live without business cards, but I work in a highly technical field and this lack of training will one day prove to be detrimental to my position. How can I get this needed training?
Solution: If your company has a training program, go to human resources and ask for help in obtaining the training you need. If it doesn’t have a program, you may need to obtain training for yourself. As frustrating as this may be, consider any time and money you spend to be an investment in your future. If you need to obtain your own training, see whether your company has a tuition reimbursement program, but remember that most plans require pre-approval.
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