WorkSafeBC / The Mike Rousselle Story (2013)

Summary

In 2009, a man’s life drastically changed after a workplace accident left him severely injured, losing his arm and leg. The journey through recovery was long and challenging, but with the support of his family, colleagues, and the WorkSafeBC return-to-work program, he gradually adapted to a new life. Emphasizing perseverance, he shares the importance of redefining oneself after tragedy, setting new goals, and finding joy in life again. Through trial and error, he rejoined the workforce, balancing fieldwork and office responsibilities, while embracing his new reality with resilience and gratitude.

Takeaways

• 😀 The accident happened in 2009, when Mike, a father of three, was injured at work while performing live line work for Aero Installations.
• 😀 Mike suffered severe burns and lost his arm and leg due to the accident, leading to a long recovery process that involved multiple surgeries and rehabilitation.
• 😀 Despite the traumatic nature of the injuries, Mike received strong support from his family, colleagues, and WorkSafeBC, which helped him stay hopeful and focused on recovery.
• 😀 The process of returning to work was gradual, with Mike initially unsure about his place in the company, but he eventually returned in a new role that combined fieldwork and office responsibilities.
• 😀 Mike learned to accept that the 'old him' was gone, and focusing on the 'new him' helped him find new goals and start rebuilding his life.
• 😀 WorkSafeBC provided significant support, offering flexibility and ensuring Mike could return to work at his own pace, which Mike initially didn't fully appreciate but later recognized as crucial.
• 😀 Mike's journey of healing included finding new ways to stay active, such as returning to mixed martial arts, which he had practiced before the accident, adapting his training to his new physical abilities.
• 😀 The support from his wife and colleagues was vital, with his wife encouraging him to continue with his career and find fulfillment, while his coworkers expressed continued faith in his abilities.
• 😀 Mike’s attitude played a crucial role in his recovery, embracing the mindset that life doesn’t have to be defined by what’s lost, but by how one chooses to move forward.
• 😀 Reflecting on his experience, Mike advises other injured workers to be patient, open to change, and persistent in trying different roles until they find something that brings them fulfillment and happiness.
• 😀 Today, Mike enjoys a balanced life between work and family, feeling proud of his ability to contribute meaningfully to his company and to overcome the challenges life has thrown his way.

Q & A

How did the accident impact the narrator's life?

The narrator was severely injured in an accident at work, losing an arm and a leg. This had a profound impact on his physical abilities, career, and emotional well-being. He had to undergo extensive rehabilitation and faced challenges in adjusting to his new physical state.

What role did the narrator have at the time of the accident?

At the time of the accident, the narrator was a sub foreman working for Aero Installations. His job involved blind maintenance, new construction, and live-line work, which required handling energized power lines.

What were the initial injuries and how did the situation progress?

The narrator was injured when he attempted to climb a pole to change a fuse after the bucket truck got stuck. He was shocked by an electrical arc and suffered severe burns and injuries, resulting in the amputation of his arm and leg. His condition worsened after the initial injury, with multiple surgeries required.

What emotional challenges did the narrator face during his recovery?

The narrator experienced feelings of devastation and disbelief about his injuries. He struggled with the idea of no longer being the same person and feared he wouldn't be able to return to work or lead an active life.

How did the narrator manage his rehabilitation and recovery?

During his rehabilitation, the narrator focused on physical therapy to regain strength, improve balance, and adapt to prosthetics. He spent time in various hospitals and rehabilitation centers, working on both his physical recovery and mental resilience.

What advice did the narrator receive that helped him cope with his new reality?

A fellow injured worker gave the narrator the important advice to forget about the 'old' version of himself and focus on adapting to the 'new' version. This mindset shift helped him move forward with his life and recovery.

What role did WorkSafeBC play in the narrator's return to work?

WorkSafeBC provided support throughout the narrator's recovery process. They visited him during rehab, ensured he had the necessary care, and developed a plan for his gradual return to work, which was instrumental in his smooth transition back to his job.

How did the narrator feel about returning to work after his injuries?

Initially uncertain about what role he could take on, the narrator explored different options, including office tasks, but found them unsatisfactory. Eventually, he returned to the field in a role that allowed him to balance fieldwork and office duties, which was a better fit for his abilities and interests.

What did the narrator learn about himself during his return to work?

Through trial and error, the narrator discovered that he still loved being in the field, even with his physical limitations. His return to work was not just about regaining his job but about finding new ways to be productive and engaged in the work he loved.

What message does the narrator have for other injured workers?

The narrator encourages injured workers to be patient, to accept help, and to be open to trying new things. He emphasizes that recovery and finding a new career path is a process, and while setbacks are inevitable, persistence and a positive attitude will eventually lead to success.