Ryan Matthews

This case study demonstrates:

• How injured workers can create new career opportunities through re-training, with the support of their employers and WorkCover.

In 2010, Ryan was employed as a miner with Peabody Energy in North Goonyella, two and a half hours south west of Mackay. While working in a black-coal underground mine, Ryan was involved in an incident where he was crushed by a 22 tonne piece of equipment, trapping his left forearm and hand between the cab of his shuttle car and the steel ribbing on the side wall of the mine.

Transferred to the Royal Brisbane Hospital for treatment of multiple fractures, dislocations, and injuries to soft tissues and nerves, Ryan required several operations and many months of intensive therapy. His injuries were serious, however throughout his rehabilitation period, Ryan maintained a positive attitude and remained focussed on a return to work. While Ryan did not return to underground mining, his motivation prompted his employer to offer him the opportunity to undertake training for a control operator position.

Ryan still requires further medical treatment and rehabilitation, however he is pleased that his employer and WorkCover have been able to help him pursue a ‘solid, long-term career’ with Peabody Energy.