Advice needed-builder needing job change due to injury

niftythrifty33

I think he would have to already be qualified in his current job to go on to teach. He doesn't have qualifications as most building trades (back in the day) didn't need them. It was more about who you knew and whether you were a good worker.

He realises he'll have to study to move into another field but the writing puts him off, as does working in a job where he has to write things fast. Some things we are thinking so far are accounting or surveying but not sure how hard it either one is to get into?
What can you do with potentially one arm, and how would we pay the mortgage etc if he can't go back to work? obviously I will work as much as I can and will do all I can to support him but it needs to be a financially secure move.

dawyldthing

He wouldn't necessarily need qualifications in it, probably would need to work towards them in the end though. This says they do, so it could give him guidance as to what to aim towards if he chooses to. But I don't think some do http://www.wnc.ac.uk/About-Us/Working-here/Vacancy.aspx?job=1050

lost_for_words

Its hard enough to get another job even with good qualifications. I dont see any other way than staying where he is now, Thoroughly warming the shoulders up before starting work and spending a lot of time strenghthening all the muscles around that delicate area using whatever support you can get for the shoulder. Try and find ways of lifting equipment more safely and if the manager says anything pull him up on health and safety. Oh, and good painkillers. Sorry, its not very helpful but this job is paying the wage you need to pay your mortgage so you need to keep it as long as possible trying to protect your shoulders. Its a very difficult area which is why its hard to find a diagnosis.

And, downsize your lifestyle immeadiately saving as much as you can.

I wish you well

ALI1973

Can his employer put "reasonable adjustments" in place to enable him to keep his current job?

What about DIY stores? although you may start on a lower wage, there could be opportunities for promotion?

Accountancy still requires a fair bit of writing (typing) and he would probably need to travel to get on a good course. Are there lots of vacancies for this work in your area?

We live quite rurally, but have a few cities/ large towns within a 35 mile radius, would a commute to a local city/town be do-able?

GwylimT

What is his numeracy like? He could look into becoming a quantity surveyor, yes there is paper work, but there is a lot of on site management as well.

niftythrifty33

Thank you all for taking the time to reply. He will talk to his boss on Monday to discuss options.
The best thing we can do straight away is save as much as possible so will have to start tightening our belts! He's very good at numeracy, so maybe the surveying would be a good idea.

Elfbert

There are lots of construction-related trades, but many take place on larger building sites, so possibly not great if there isn't that sort of work going on near to you - better for places where there are large new developments.

Health and Safety involves quite a lot of reading, and some writing, and a lot of time spent on site inspecting things.

He should definitely query the Manual Handling risk assessment if he's lifting heavy items a lot - they have to have one. And, although I don't like the 'blame culture', if his firm have been negligent in safeguarding his health by not having such things in place, he can start a civil claim for up to 3 years after the injury becomes apparent, and should.

First step would definitely be looking at the RA and seeing if there are reasonable adjustments that can be made to allow him to continue working without the manual handling issues. That way everyone should be happy!