This is my story:
I was employed in 1996 by a City Council Library. I did not realise that people had already had to resign from there because of their serious arm injuries sustained there. I was given the most hours on the known high-risk jobs without being informed of the risk in doing so. Another lady employed after myself, was also given high hours on these jobs. We both sustained injuries which have precluded us from employment for three years now. I have constant pain, swelling and could not lift my arms above my waist at all for a long time. Now I can for short periods only. The other lady still can hardly lift her arms and her husband has to dress her etc. At least four others from a staff of about fifteen have serious injuries and all but one have some injury from the work there, particularly the work at that desk and/or shelving.
My doctor put me on a gradual return to work programme, but the Council sent me to their own doctor who said I could do 40 hours work (these "occupational physicians" and "occupational therapists" need to be investigated) on the Council's scheme. It was impossible. I resigned. They refused to accept my resignation and suspended me for "serious misconduct". I organised a meeting with ACC and my GP and advocates, as ACC had been deciding things with my employer, without telling me, then the Council would summons me to "rehabilitation meetings" (far from where I worked, so had to drive with injured arms) where they would attempt to intimidate and coerce me (at one meeting there was nine of them versus me and my advocate). ACC then agreed to my GP's plan, as it was clearly impossible for me to return to work under the Council's conditions. I returned to work. The Council dismissed me one month later, saying I was a risk to their other workers (but ACC was paying for me, so why didn't they employ others to help?). I have grieved a lot over the loss of a job I loved. My career is ruined.
