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A bridge was built to enable Jean-Pierre Farbos to get into his loader without the need to use two hands.<br />
The machine itself has been adapted.<br />
HUMAN<br />
RESOURCES<br />
Redesigning workstations for the disabled<br />
“In October 2008, Jean-Pierre<br />
Farbos, a loader operator, suffered<br />
a serious accident at home”, describes Pierre<br />
Pécout, Profit Center Manager at Gama (Screg Sud-<br />
Ouest). “His right forearm was amputated and he lost<br />
a finger from his left hand and the use of two others….”<br />
Fourteen months later, he was able to go back to work.<br />
“With the support of my family, friends and colleagues,<br />
I was really excited to get back on the job”, explains<br />
Jean-Pierre Farbos. “It boils down to the fact that I<br />
have this disability, so every day is its own battle!” To<br />
help Jean-Pierre return, Gama adapted his job to<br />
accommodate his disability. A specific machine was<br />
crossroads 61<br />
ordered from the manufacturer, with a single lefthanded<br />
lever – normally activated with the fingers of<br />
the right hand – and a simplified steering mechanism<br />
for the left arm. A gangway was built to provide easier<br />
access to the machine. It took three months to adapt<br />
the vehicle, with the whole process taking nearly a<br />
year. Doctors, ergonomists and financiers met on a<br />
regular basis to work on the case. All this has paid off,<br />
with Jean-Pierre successfully returning to work as<br />
planned. He is set to go full time again soon. This<br />
refreshing and rewarding human experience is a first<br />
for Gama. <br />
ROUTES No. 25 – September 2010
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