Wross’ ‘Muck Truck’ makes a world of difference to his wellbeing at work
Image: a man is wearing a hat and leaning on a dark grey and white fence. He is wearing outdoor gardening gloves and a blue polo shirt and standing next to a green hedge (Image used for representation purposes only).
* Represents name has been changed for privacy.
Wross* had been working with a large company for some time when he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is a type of lymphoma, a cancer that begins in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is an important part of the immune system and includes the various lymph glands around the body. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma most commonly occurs in a lymph node, but it can also occur in the liver, spleen, stomach or bones.[i]
Wross was experiencing bone erosion, pain, and reduced strength and mobility within his neck and hip, resulting in him needing to leave his long-term job.
Wross then found employment through a family friend as a part-time Bricklayer’s Assistant, working with a small landscaping business. This new role enabled
Wross to work within a supportive team, where he used the physical aspects of the job to aid his physical recovery.
Whilst Wross could manage most aspects of his role, he needed some help when using a standard wheelbarrow to transport bricks, gravel, sand and other landscaping materials repetitively over uneven terrain and up and down hills.
Wross and his employer started investigating motorised wheelbarrow options to remove some of the physical strain from the task and reduce the pain and fatigue caused by the manual wheelbarrow.
That’s when Wross approached JobAccess.
JobAccess provides free, expert and confidential advice on workplace adjustments to employers and people with disability. It has a range of field experts, including allied health professionals, who offer advice tailored to the person’s situation from the first point of contact.
Employers and people with disability may be eligible to receive financial assistance through the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) to make adjustments in the workplace. The EAF is available to eligible people with disability who are about to start a job, are self-employed or are currently working.
JobAccess organised a free worksite assessment for Wross to help identify what modifications or equipment would best meet his needs and help him to do the job effectively and efficiently.
This assessment stage of the workplace adjustments process is essential to understand each individual’s circumstances, challenges, and environment. Following this, JobAccess recommends a tailored solution depending on each person’s needs and goals.
The solution was a Muck Truck to help Wross with his day-to-day work and a hoist for the work ute Wross uses, supporting Wross in loading and unloading items without the need to lift and bear weight.
The result? A world of difference for Wross’ pain, fatigue and overall happiness at work.
“It is the best thing! I’ve already found that my left hip is much better at the end of the day. It is so noticeable already, as using the Muck Truck has taken all the strain off my hip when pushing the bricks and concrete around in a wheelbarrow. Thanks to JobAccess, now I put the Muck Truck in 1st gear and go,” said Wross.
[i] https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/non-hodgkin-lymphoma
What support is available?
A wide range of support is available from JobAccess for people with disability, employers, and service providers. JobAccess has managed more than 63,000 applications for funding workplace adjustments since 2006. And each one makes a difference.
Contact JobAccess on 1800 464 800 to speak to our Advisers about workplace adjustments. You can also submit an online enquiry through the JobAccess website.
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