Larry Cheslock wasn’t sure what the future held after being injured by falling machinery in his workplace, but he knew that he wanted to re-enter the workforce as soon as he was able. Thanks to WorkSafeBC’s Hire a Worker program, Cheslock was connected with a Courtenay-based employer when he was ready to embark on his return-to-work journey.

By Sarah Ripplinger

“The role of a mechanic has been part of my life for what seems like forever,” says Cheslock. “Being injured felt like too much sitting around. I wanted to find something that interested me and get back to work.”

As the son of a mechanic and the youngest of three brothers who are also all mechanics, Cheslock is passionate about his career and applying himself 100 percent to his vocation. Apart from working in the automotive trade for over 40 years — 15 years with dealerships and 25 running his own franchise — Cheslock served approximately 10 years as a reservist with the RCMP and around 15 as a firefighter in Comox, B.C., where he presently lives.

It was while working at a dealership that the trajectory of his life changed.

“I was taking the transmission out of a vehicle and the jack failed,” recalls Cheslock. “The transmission caught on my coveralls and dragged me to the ground.”

Cheslock’s shoulder was torn out of its socket and he sustained injuries to his right knee and back. Hospital visits became a regular occurrence as Cheslock underwent multiple surgeries to treat his injuries, including the fusing together of vertebrae in his spinal column.

Three years after the incident, Cheslock shares that he is grateful to have regained his ability to walk. However, the injuries took a toll on his body, necessitating that his next job be tailored to accommodate his abilities.

Hire a Worker program

WorkSafeBC’s Hire a Worker program connects employers with workers returning to work after an injury. Employers hire workers in the program and provide training on the job, and WorkSafeBC partially reimburses the workers’ wages.

Employers and workers also receive personalized support from WorkSafeBC’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) team throughout the recruitment, hiring, and training process. On top of access to benefits, such as customized training plans, WorkSafeBC may also provide financial assistance for supports like occupational therapist consultations and workplace accommodations for new hires.

“We connect employers with skilled and motivated workers,” states Tricia Habermehl, a job developer and employment specialist with WorkSafeBC. “The program is beneficial as it provides an opportunity for collaboration between participating employers and WorkSafeBC, with supports available for both employers and workers to create a strong foundation for success.”

Connecting employers with skilled workers

Based on his strengths in the automotive field, Cheslock approached Canadian Tire for a service advisor position in the company’s automotive department. Keith Pistell, general manager with Canadian Tire in Courtenay, worked with Habermehl to hire Cheslock at their location.

“Larry’s communication skills with customers are solid, and he has a calm disposition,” notes Pistell. “This, coupled with his depth of knowledge and passion for cars, have made his transition into the position very organic. Larry clearly has a lot to offer in the way of knowledge in the auto repair industry, along with a desire to share that knowledge.”

“This was our first time using the Hire a Worker program to fill a vacancy,” adds Pistell. “WorkSafeBC’s VRS team made it easy for us. Given the positive experience we had, we have already used the Hire a Worker program again, which has resulted in the ongoing employment of a second high-quality person. I would have no reservations about using the program in the future.”

Cheslock is glad to be part of the team at Canadian Tire, and found the support from WorkSafeBC immensely helpful throughout his recovery and re-employment journey. “They’ve been great,” he says. “A lot of people who get injured could benefit from this kind of thing.”

Learn more about the Hire a Worker program

For more information about the Hire a Worker program, visit worksafebc.com/hireaworker. You can also contact the team at 1.866.266.9404 or by emailing hireaworker@worksafebc.com — our job developer and employment specialists are ready to work with you and answer any questions you may have.

This information originally appeared in the Fall 2024 issue of WorkSafe Magazine. To read more or to subscribe, visit WorkSafe Magazine.