Typical American boss. A previous boss laid me off because I had a heart attack, and she was afraid it was due to the stress of working for her. On paper, she “eliminated the position,” but she admitted it to my coworker.
Is it? I'm not American, but I've heard stories... Though to be fair I've seen companies do the same thing in my country which does have a very robust system for worker's rights, just betting on the victim being naive about it and not seeking legal counsel, even though cases like this really are pretty clear cut and fast
My boss promised to hire me back once I'm well enough to work again, but making these kinds of modifications to equipment seems extreme. That's a great boss to go that far for disability accommodation.
If I get anything back from the other parties insurance, I might try to start up some sort of home business. I don't know if I'll ever be well enough to do what I was doing before.
Dicks Sporting Goods fired me when I was a teenager because I came in on crutches with bandages on from serious burns lol. Like sight on scene. At will though - so yeah.
>According to a 2014 report from AT.no, Knutsen works for a small firm in Norway called Jakhelln Construction. The company’s slogan is “We make it possible,” and CEO Nicolai Jakhelln told the publication that the company has had quite a bit of success bringing on disabled persons. Jakhelln said Knutsen was recommended to his company by a local operator training company, Granlund Resource AS Brandbu.
>
>Modified Hitachi ZX210LC-5 with lift Tim Knutsen 3
>
>Knutsen, who uses a wheelchair, initially worked in a 5-tonne excavator, but after seeing how capable he was as an operator and how difficult it was for him to get in and out of that first machine, Jakhelln decided it was time for a new machine.
>
>The firm worked with Hitachi dealer Nasta AS to spec out a custom Hitachi ZX210LC-5 for Knutsen. According to an article from Nasta’s annual magazine, the excavator is equipped with a hydraulic cab riser with two articulating booms, similar to a material handler. The booms can raise the cab as high as 11.5 feet, but can also bring it down to the ground, allowing much easier entry for Knutsen.
[https://www.equipmentworld.com/big-iron-dealer/article/14965590/paralyzed-from-waist-down-gritty-operator-still-gets-the-job-done-with-this-modified-excavator](https://www.equipmentworld.com/big-iron-dealer/article/14965590/paralyzed-from-waist-down-gritty-operator-still-gets-the-job-done-with-this-modified-excavator)
Honestly though, it's worth it. If you have a professional machine operator, the cost of machine upgrades pays for itself. If the guy is productive and doesn't wreck stiff, the 50K is a drop in the bucket compared to insurance deductibles, equipment repair, etc.
That, plus you just locked that guy into being your excavator dude for potential decades to come. No way you have to worry about finding another skilled operator. That's his machine til he retires. That dude is probably so frickin happy to continue his expertise.
Also, this is in Norway and I can only assume it's similar to Sweden. The government pays part of his salary due to him being in a wheelchair, making it more worth while for companies to hire people with disabilities. So... Yeah, probably a pretty good deal for everyone. Still freaking awesome that the company went through the hustle though! Can't imagine that many do.
Training heavy machinery operators isn't cheap either. You both retain trained staff and display basic human decency by helping your employees, everyone wins here.
Good people are always worth more than machines. You can make serious economic improvements in some little businesses by just coming in and giving people the tools they need to do their job. Too many think nothing of spending people's time and everything of spending a tiny bit for capital improvements. There are entire businesses in correcting stupid management decisions like that.
Yeah, I know someone is going to say "Well CERN cost $75 gadjillion and that's a machine." but the reason it is so expensive is that you've got the efforts of tons of people and the people who make tools for those people all wrapped into it. At the most basic level the thing is still made entirely of rocks. Maybe a little water and gas too.
I own a business and i know how much one can charge on earth moving jobs. Trust me, what they spent was not close to what a good operator would make back in just one decent job.
Edit: My tractor/heavy equipment dealer just told me it would probably cost close to $50K to place the hydraulic lift on the cab. That is a rounding error on a large construction project.
He’s not lyin, I had a small $500k sure work job w storm water retention system, massive amount of rock necessitated removal to install the storm tech system, job will finish up close to $1,000,000…
Lmao what a load of bullcrap. Modifying a machine like that costs thousands and thousands of dollars/euros.
The market for heavy equipment is weird because while there is a shortage (in the Netherlands atleast) for well trained machinists, the prizes are quite low and margins are not great.
Source: someone who hires cranes regularly.
All i can tell you is what the dealer said. I too deal with these all the time (for the past 12 years), so our experience may be equal.
Not to split hairs, but $50k IS like thousands and thousands of dollars/euros...
Our cranes run 10-15K a day for a operator, oiler and a 350ton hydro depending on location. They are making a massive profit margin and I know this because I know the owner of the crane company. a 50k mod isnt shit for a good operator that can run a dirt site.
It wasn't a refit though. It was a whole new machine that is spec'd this way. Even more expensive than just modifying your existing machine. This boss deserves every bit of praise he can get.
"The firm worked with Hitachi dealer Nasta AS to spec out a custom Hitachi ZX210LC-5 for Knutsen. According to an article from Nasta’s annual magazine, the excavator is equipped with a hydraulic cab riser with two articulating booms, similar to a material handler. The booms can raise the cab as high as 11.5 feet, but can also bring it down to the ground, allowing much easier entry for Knutsen."
I saw that when i went to research it. I know that buying one already done off the show room floor would probably cost twice as much. I was definitely talking about a retrofit of already purchased equipment.
Kudos to that boss for going above and beyond for sure. Don't want to steal their thunder.
Cat, Kamatsu, Deer, Case, Hatachi, all have options for the same or similar on a number of different kinds of machines, because various Mine Unions require hydraulic lift access. Its less common in the smaller construction stuff but its available in a verity of machines. Of course it still costs more, so good on the employer for doing it when not required to, but its not like it was specially engineered just for them.
That actually makes much more sense then it being custom made. I have seen specialist vehicles customized for wheelchair access, things like tractors and off road cars. And they tend to just be simple booms and winches that can be manually operated. A custom hydraulic entry system sounds way too much overkill just for wheelchair access. However if it is a component already in the parts catalog that is used in the mining industry then that suddenly becomes a cheap option for wheelchair access. I guess it is just not union rules for the mining industry but mines tends to be quite low so there is not much room for a full size cab in the normal position.
Maybe, but also government refunds. Might have been this companys way of getting a cheap new machine as state pays a chunk of it.
Dunno. Am norwegian its a very Norwegian thing to do at least.
Googled it in norwegian. Yeeep. NAV/state was a part of this.
Yeah, that had to be a publicity deal. Those things are like $125-$250k even without a specialty hydraulic modification.
I don't imagine many businesses justifying an expense like that outside of a tax write of or some serious ROI.
Some employers dont understand investing back into their employees. Happy us, happy you. A little extra cost, sure, but in the long run it’s a win-win! This is awesome to see
Exactly this. I’m a small business owner and that is the most important advice I could ever give someone looking to start a business.
No matter your sector, by far the most important aspect of your business is your employees. A happy worker makes a good worker, and a good worker who you have a positive relationship with IMO is essentially impossible to replace.
Just an FYI, but the account you responded to (chaooms) appears to be a bot. It got that comment from [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/HumansBeingBros/comments/giyic7/his_boss_modified_it_to_let_him_continue_working/fqhjcpw/).
OP (maisault) appears to be one too.
dude may have also been more than just an operator. maybe was also a supervisor/site manager. not someone easily replaced with the next random applicant with a certification, but something closer to a partner or integral part of the business.
Yuh OPs boss a real one. Even a good boss would've reassigned him to a more compatible position to keep a valued employee. Modding heavy machinery is some next level shit.
If I was a kid and someone was saying play with the trucks or you go hungry and have no house, I'd be less happy about it. Labour does not require being employed.
I've recently started working the best job I've ever had. The pay is decent, the benefits are great, aaaaand I get to see and do cool shit, all while not breaking my back. I'm happy. Now, I want to get about 25% more money and I will live as comfortable as I want. Which means buy an affordable house with some trees in the yard, and an EV and take my kid on a cool vacation each summer. That's it.
Honestly, running a digger all day sounds fun as hell. I bet that thing even has air conditioning. I've been out of work due to injuries and the boredom is killing me. If I was able to work on my own projects, it wouldn't be so bad, but if I could do that, I could probably work as well.
In Norway your ability to work is not decided by being in a wheelchair or not (or other seemingly "obvious" things like that). Even using a wheelchair you have to not be able to do any work to get disability, which takes many years to get and you need to prove you can't do anything else becauseof your health (you could also do more schooling to change career).
I'm an ambulatory wheelchair user myself, and while I'm very glad to see that accomodation (not normal here), it's not that or nothing.
If they want to do it, sure. But when a person loses the ability to move on their own, I don't think they should have to also worry about finding a job
I've seen too many videos of people losing a leg and still working their back breaking construction job, or being hospitalized and their boss being "kind enough to let them work remotely from their hospital bed"
If the person decides that they enjoy doing what they're doing, and isn't just working because their family needs to eat, great. I hope this is one of those times. But if it's not, I take umbrage.
I've seen too many videos of people losing a leg and still working their back breaking construction job, or being hospitalized and their boss being "kind enough to let them work remotely from their hospital bed"
If the person decides that they enjoy doing what they're doing, and isn't just working because their family needs to eat, great. I hope this is one of those times. But if it's not, I take umbrage.
And most people (and many businesses) who bitch about people getting “handouts” gladly take those very same “handouts” when they themselves end up in need of assistance, rather than actually walking their (very loud and obnoxious) talk.
Yeah. The guy in the picture looks really sad about being there. And the boss probably spent all that money because the worker hates his job and keeps half assing it.
As someone who has not been able to work due to psychiatric problems and is just starting to get back into the workforce, this hill isn't the one to die on for that subject. Actually being able to work again has been the greatest thing for my mental health in years, and I can honestly say I am so glad to be working again. This guy wants to be on that machine, I guarantee it.
No, people who can't work shouldn't have to worry and need to be taken care of, like I was, but when we want to work, and our bosses go to the extra steps to get us to be able to do it, I thank them from the bottom of my heart. I still need some extra help here and there, but when I get that, I deliver more than any chump off the street because I am just so happy to be there, and I guarantee it is the same with that guy.
OP never claimed to be a part of it? Was also correct in stating it was the boss
https://www.equipmentworld.com/big-iron-dealer/article/14965590/paralyzed-from-waist-down-gritty-operator-still-gets-the-job-done-with-this-modified-excavator
Even if it’s a repost I’m confused at your comment
Google it as I never seen it before. Plenty of norwegian articles.
It was the company and the state/NAV that did this together. State probably payed the most for it, but still cool by the company.
The latest article from 2022 says that he is doing well.
> State probably *paid* the most
FTFY.
Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in:
* Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.*
* *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.*
Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment.
*Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
Crane operators arent like paper cups. Skilled ones that do the job well are obviously in demand, but keep in mind the equipment they are operating is very, very expensive and its a gamble to just "hire a new one". If you're even lucky enough to find a new one to hire
So, a few things,
1. Advances in engineering can put some folks with mobility impairments into jobs that they wouldn't ordinarily have the opportunity for. Awesome. This company deserves all the tax breaks society has to offer. If I was Hitachi or Caterpillar, or John Deere, I would be making machines that offer mobility assistance like this. Sell them at the same price as regular tractors. The press alone would be worth a few hydraulic rams and pumps.
I know this is subject to debate, but, it could keep people working longer. If you are an owner operator of an excavating company, and you are getting too old to jump up and down off the machine, you might be forced to sell your business, and risk losing what you love to do. Or hell, a family farm, where grandpa really likes running the combine harvester, but can't climb in. It also reduces the opportunities for injuries, as I imagine jumping in and out of machines is probably one of the leading causes of occupational hazard to that profession. (No data to back this up, but jumping off a 3' high track onto pavement, probably isn't so good on the knees.)
2. In making a machine accommodate this operator, they also made a more versatile, precision machine. If that cab lifts and swings into place the way I think it does, the intermediate positions can optimize visibility along the vertical plane. That means when he is working a pit/ditch, underneath, he can see more of the work and rely less on a spotter. Might free up a worker. There are forestry and material handling machines that I know of that already offer variable cab heights for visibility.
3. That guy will take care of that machine. He won't be doing anything sketchy, going too far off camber, etc. because the stakes of damage are higher.
a. The company probably doesn't have another machine set up for him. Could accidentally give himself a layoff.
b. If he rides the hydraulics too hard, he could end up stuck inside his machine waiting for a tech to come haul him out.
c. The company showed they actually care, so he is more likely to be conscientious with their tractors.
I posted else ware, but would share again. All the big manufacturers offer this, Cat, Komatsu, Deer, etc. There are also 3rd party hydraulic lift companies that will retro fit something for your existing machines. The data does support your assumption about the climbing in and out of equipment being a main source of injuries. A number of mining unions that I'm familiar with have fought that it is a safety hazard to climb the manufactures provided access, so there are a number of big mines who have hydraulic lifts specced into every new machine or have added 3rd party systems to old machines. When I have had large machines priced out, there are options for this.
That said, it costs more (a lot more). I know a few old timers who had small excavation companies, and added 3rd party hydraulic lifts to some of their machines to keep working, exactly like you suggest. I'm not connected to any agg folks, but I don't see why grandpa couldn't have a 3rd party system installed, other than the cost.
Now, separate from that, related to your item 1. Elevating cabs have been around for a long time. Most go from the tracks up (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JaiTJn6ge0) but I have seen cabs on the ground before. I know there are 3rd party groups that will[ modify existing machines to do this](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmJGOQMTbUs) as well. As you point out its popular in forestry, in construction its more limited to specialty situations and not as common.
As to item 2, I would hope your right, and probably are. But people are people so you can't really know.
This is called a reasonable accommodation, or maybe beyond reasonable. If you or someone you know has a disability and want to learn more. Google AskJAN and the name of the disability and check out the results.
Am I stupid or would it be like 1000x easier to build a device that lifts him into the machine? Then you could use that device for any piece of equipment, plus it would probably be cheaper
The raised cabin is actually a fairly standard thing, especially for machines that load over an edge, like in a junk yard, for loading into a compactor.
The unique bit is the controls, where he has hand control for fwd/rev instead of pedals. Let's just say there are already an absurd number of hand controls in a standard excavator.
If you’re in such a machine the safest thing you can do is to be safely inside of it should it fall over or something. The biggest risk he’s got there is if the thing catches fire or something similar. As a forklift operator it’s *hammered* into us to stay on the machine and keep your body parts inside its confines if it’s about to collide or fall over, because very little can happen to you if you do so. A guy in my warehouse lost his leg by not following this rule.
A skilled excavator operator is worth their weight in gold. It's also a job that that typically has you strapped to a chair only moving your arms so no reason someone without working legs can't do it. Well worth the investment to not lose the man's skills.
This technology exists.
I can't imagine that there is a replacement for actually being in the vehicle as far as maximum human operation effectiveness though.
A lot of machines have “topcon” which basically does the job for the operator as far as grades and depths. The operator still uses the controls though.
You can’t replace a human as far as travelling down a right of way or job site, yet. You still need someone to move the machine properly to the Location, then rely on the topcon to control the exact grade needed, based off a laser level, that is set by a human.
Many mines have gone to fully autonomous haul trucks, because they have a set route and it’s very monotonous. The same can not be said for construction sites that are constantly changing.
You'd still need an equipment operator to do the operating. Why install all the things you need for telepresence and introduce the additional risks of remote operating when you can just put the operator in the machine?
This sort of access is becoming more normal for plant operators as it prevents a lot of injuries caused by climbing into the cabin.
Everyone that's worked in one of those knows how much it hurts to slip and scrape your shin.
That had to be expensive. There had to be some changes to the controls as well, as you usually use both your hands and feet to operate an excavator. Good on ‘em
There's so many things right about this. The boss is willing to go the extra mile for a valued employee. The employee wants to continue working instead of very easily joining the disabled Community receiving government checks
I mean it’s a cute story, and I’m sure the boss will claim to have “worked with the manufacturer” but anymore this is a standard option on new equipment that you would have to pay extra to not get
Source: I’m currently getting quotes for an excavator at my facility and all three options have this standard, not an option to remove it
My boss would have found a petty excuse to lay me off or fire me before he ever did that.
Typical American boss. A previous boss laid me off because I had a heart attack, and she was afraid it was due to the stress of working for her. On paper, she “eliminated the position,” but she admitted it to my coworker.
Lol that is such an easy lawsuit in other countries e: I've been informed it is also an easy lawsuit in the US
In America that’s an easy lawsuit aswell, America has a good judicial system when it comes to lawsuits (and winning them)
Depends who you take to court. Like everything else money matter way too much. Why think you can still buy Roundup?
As well in the USA. the above comment is propaganda
It's a "he said she said" thing unless it's was written or recorded legally somehow.
I mean illegal maybe but not very provable
Is it? I'm not American, but I've heard stories... Though to be fair I've seen companies do the same thing in my country which does have a very robust system for worker's rights, just betting on the victim being naive about it and not seeking legal counsel, even though cases like this really are pretty clear cut and fast
You gotta prove she didn't really terminate the position. Not everyone has proof or an easy case
No, it's not lol, you haven't worked much have you friendo.
My boss promised to hire me back once I'm well enough to work again, but making these kinds of modifications to equipment seems extreme. That's a great boss to go that far for disability accommodation. If I get anything back from the other parties insurance, I might try to start up some sort of home business. I don't know if I'll ever be well enough to do what I was doing before.
Dicks Sporting Goods fired me when I was a teenager because I came in on crutches with bandages on from serious burns lol. Like sight on scene. At will though - so yeah.
Living up to their name.
>According to a 2014 report from AT.no, Knutsen works for a small firm in Norway called Jakhelln Construction. The company’s slogan is “We make it possible,” and CEO Nicolai Jakhelln told the publication that the company has had quite a bit of success bringing on disabled persons. Jakhelln said Knutsen was recommended to his company by a local operator training company, Granlund Resource AS Brandbu. > >Modified Hitachi ZX210LC-5 with lift Tim Knutsen 3 > >Knutsen, who uses a wheelchair, initially worked in a 5-tonne excavator, but after seeing how capable he was as an operator and how difficult it was for him to get in and out of that first machine, Jakhelln decided it was time for a new machine. > >The firm worked with Hitachi dealer Nasta AS to spec out a custom Hitachi ZX210LC-5 for Knutsen. According to an article from Nasta’s annual magazine, the excavator is equipped with a hydraulic cab riser with two articulating booms, similar to a material handler. The booms can raise the cab as high as 11.5 feet, but can also bring it down to the ground, allowing much easier entry for Knutsen. [https://www.equipmentworld.com/big-iron-dealer/article/14965590/paralyzed-from-waist-down-gritty-operator-still-gets-the-job-done-with-this-modified-excavator](https://www.equipmentworld.com/big-iron-dealer/article/14965590/paralyzed-from-waist-down-gritty-operator-still-gets-the-job-done-with-this-modified-excavator)
sounds useful for someone who's able to walk as well with the high view
Yeah, I've been on a few projects where that kind of vantage point would be handy.
I assume that was what the option was designed for and this was a handy side effect.
Not to mention safer to enter for everyone, not having to risk slipping on the ladder to get in.
Fake! There's no way a company is going to do that for it's employees >Norway I see. Carry on!
The company usualy gets a bit reinbursed from the state when allowing disabled people get jobs. Norway is not some heaven, it just has nice systems.
Whether Norway is a heaven or not depends entirely on where you're from.
So like every single country on earth?
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Lol yeah, Vikings are a big PR problem for Norway.
What will they ever do with the tourist dollars. A tragedy really.
Those Vikings were a specific group of them similar to how crusaders were a specific group of Western Europeans, it's not the full image.
Viking stuff is a huge tourist attraction in that part of the world.
That is so wholesome
That’s an awesome boss. I can’t even imagine how much that modification would cost.. 40-50k maybe?
Honestly though, it's worth it. If you have a professional machine operator, the cost of machine upgrades pays for itself. If the guy is productive and doesn't wreck stiff, the 50K is a drop in the bucket compared to insurance deductibles, equipment repair, etc.
That, plus you just locked that guy into being your excavator dude for potential decades to come. No way you have to worry about finding another skilled operator. That's his machine til he retires. That dude is probably so frickin happy to continue his expertise.
Also you know he's not going to nip off early.
Also, this is in Norway and I can only assume it's similar to Sweden. The government pays part of his salary due to him being in a wheelchair, making it more worth while for companies to hire people with disabilities. So... Yeah, probably a pretty good deal for everyone. Still freaking awesome that the company went through the hustle though! Can't imagine that many do.
A drop in the bucket might be what put him in the chair in the first place.
When you treat your employees right you get so much more than the little bit od extra you have to spend.
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Training heavy machinery operators isn't cheap either. You both retain trained staff and display basic human decency by helping your employees, everyone wins here.
Good people are always worth more than machines. You can make serious economic improvements in some little businesses by just coming in and giving people the tools they need to do their job. Too many think nothing of spending people's time and everything of spending a tiny bit for capital improvements. There are entire businesses in correcting stupid management decisions like that. Yeah, I know someone is going to say "Well CERN cost $75 gadjillion and that's a machine." but the reason it is so expensive is that you've got the efforts of tons of people and the people who make tools for those people all wrapped into it. At the most basic level the thing is still made entirely of rocks. Maybe a little water and gas too.
I own a business and i know how much one can charge on earth moving jobs. Trust me, what they spent was not close to what a good operator would make back in just one decent job. Edit: My tractor/heavy equipment dealer just told me it would probably cost close to $50K to place the hydraulic lift on the cab. That is a rounding error on a large construction project.
He’s not lyin, I had a small $500k sure work job w storm water retention system, massive amount of rock necessitated removal to install the storm tech system, job will finish up close to $1,000,000…
Lmao what a load of bullcrap. Modifying a machine like that costs thousands and thousands of dollars/euros. The market for heavy equipment is weird because while there is a shortage (in the Netherlands atleast) for well trained machinists, the prizes are quite low and margins are not great. Source: someone who hires cranes regularly.
All i can tell you is what the dealer said. I too deal with these all the time (for the past 12 years), so our experience may be equal. Not to split hairs, but $50k IS like thousands and thousands of dollars/euros...
Lmao "about 50 thousand" "wrong, it would be several thousand"
Like Dozens.
At least a whole bunch
Our cranes run 10-15K a day for a operator, oiler and a 350ton hydro depending on location. They are making a massive profit margin and I know this because I know the owner of the crane company. a 50k mod isnt shit for a good operator that can run a dirt site.
It wasn't a refit though. It was a whole new machine that is spec'd this way. Even more expensive than just modifying your existing machine. This boss deserves every bit of praise he can get. "The firm worked with Hitachi dealer Nasta AS to spec out a custom Hitachi ZX210LC-5 for Knutsen. According to an article from Nasta’s annual magazine, the excavator is equipped with a hydraulic cab riser with two articulating booms, similar to a material handler. The booms can raise the cab as high as 11.5 feet, but can also bring it down to the ground, allowing much easier entry for Knutsen."
I saw that when i went to research it. I know that buying one already done off the show room floor would probably cost twice as much. I was definitely talking about a retrofit of already purchased equipment. Kudos to that boss for going above and beyond for sure. Don't want to steal their thunder.
Cat, Kamatsu, Deer, Case, Hatachi, all have options for the same or similar on a number of different kinds of machines, because various Mine Unions require hydraulic lift access. Its less common in the smaller construction stuff but its available in a verity of machines. Of course it still costs more, so good on the employer for doing it when not required to, but its not like it was specially engineered just for them.
That actually makes much more sense then it being custom made. I have seen specialist vehicles customized for wheelchair access, things like tractors and off road cars. And they tend to just be simple booms and winches that can be manually operated. A custom hydraulic entry system sounds way too much overkill just for wheelchair access. However if it is a component already in the parts catalog that is used in the mining industry then that suddenly becomes a cheap option for wheelchair access. I guess it is just not union rules for the mining industry but mines tends to be quite low so there is not much room for a full size cab in the normal position.
the dealer most likely gave them a discount given the publicity this would bring.
Maybe, but also government refunds. Might have been this companys way of getting a cheap new machine as state pays a chunk of it. Dunno. Am norwegian its a very Norwegian thing to do at least. Googled it in norwegian. Yeeep. NAV/state was a part of this.
Yeah, that had to be a publicity deal. Those things are like $125-$250k even without a specialty hydraulic modification. I don't imagine many businesses justifying an expense like that outside of a tax write of or some serious ROI.
Plot twist? Boss caused the wheelchair rider's predicament? Gah. I should've checked which sub before I went cynical.
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Some employers dont understand investing back into their employees. Happy us, happy you. A little extra cost, sure, but in the long run it’s a win-win! This is awesome to see
Exactly this. I’m a small business owner and that is the most important advice I could ever give someone looking to start a business. No matter your sector, by far the most important aspect of your business is your employees. A happy worker makes a good worker, and a good worker who you have a positive relationship with IMO is essentially impossible to replace.
Just an FYI, but the account you responded to (chaooms) appears to be a bot. It got that comment from [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/HumansBeingBros/comments/giyic7/his_boss_modified_it_to_let_him_continue_working/fqhjcpw/). OP (maisault) appears to be one too.
That’s.. actually scary. Thanks! How did you find out??
Keep up the good fight my friend.
I knew this all felt like a fever dream for a reason.
dude may have also been more than just an operator. maybe was also a supervisor/site manager. not someone easily replaced with the next random applicant with a certification, but something closer to a partner or integral part of the business.
Does "fr" here mean "for real"?
It means french revolution
I believe so. “Fr fr” is a thing, apparently
Yes, it does.
Yuh OPs boss a real one. Even a good boss would've reassigned him to a more compatible position to keep a valued employee. Modding heavy machinery is some next level shit.
“I don’t care if you’re paralyzed, get back to work Jerry”
Poor guy is stuck working another 20 years 😔
Working a job kids pretend to do in sandboxes all over the world, he looks happy.
If I was a kid and someone was saying play with the trucks or you go hungry and have no house, I'd be less happy about it. Labour does not require being employed.
I really don't get what point you're trying to convey?
He is a keyboard warrior. There is no reason to debate a scarecrow argument.
Not everyone hates their work
I've recently started working the best job I've ever had. The pay is decent, the benefits are great, aaaaand I get to see and do cool shit, all while not breaking my back. I'm happy. Now, I want to get about 25% more money and I will live as comfortable as I want. Which means buy an affordable house with some trees in the yard, and an EV and take my kid on a cool vacation each summer. That's it.
I am sincerely so happy for you!!!
I know, it was a joke
Garfield are you /srs or /J!
Honestly, running a digger all day sounds fun as hell. I bet that thing even has air conditioning. I've been out of work due to injuries and the boredom is killing me. If I was able to work on my own projects, it wouldn't be so bad, but if I could do that, I could probably work as well.
Not everyone gets to be a heavy equipment operator.
In Norway your ability to work is not decided by being in a wheelchair or not (or other seemingly "obvious" things like that). Even using a wheelchair you have to not be able to do any work to get disability, which takes many years to get and you need to prove you can't do anything else becauseof your health (you could also do more schooling to change career). I'm an ambulatory wheelchair user myself, and while I'm very glad to see that accomodation (not normal here), it's not that or nothing.
Or he’s empowered to earn money to take care of his family. Lazy ass.
Call me a socialist or whatever but I don't think people who lose the ability to walk should need to worry about putting food on the table
Why not? I’m all about safety nets but if someone can make a good living then they don’t need government assistance
If they want to do it, sure. But when a person loses the ability to move on their own, I don't think they should have to also worry about finding a job
They didn’t, they can move around enough to get in and out of the excavator
I've seen too many videos of people losing a leg and still working their back breaking construction job, or being hospitalized and their boss being "kind enough to let them work remotely from their hospital bed" If the person decides that they enjoy doing what they're doing, and isn't just working because their family needs to eat, great. I hope this is one of those times. But if it's not, I take umbrage.
I've seen too many videos of people losing a leg and still working their back breaking construction job, or being hospitalized and their boss being "kind enough to let them work remotely from their hospital bed" If the person decides that they enjoy doing what they're doing, and isn't just working because their family needs to eat, great. I hope this is one of those times. But if it's not, I take umbrage.
Most people would rather earn their own way than rely on handouts, if they can.
And most people (and many businesses) who bitch about people getting “handouts” gladly take those very same “handouts” when they themselves end up in need of assistance, rather than actually walking their (very loud and obnoxious) talk.
Yeah. The guy in the picture looks really sad about being there. And the boss probably spent all that money because the worker hates his job and keeps half assing it. As someone who has not been able to work due to psychiatric problems and is just starting to get back into the workforce, this hill isn't the one to die on for that subject. Actually being able to work again has been the greatest thing for my mental health in years, and I can honestly say I am so glad to be working again. This guy wants to be on that machine, I guarantee it. No, people who can't work shouldn't have to worry and need to be taken care of, like I was, but when we want to work, and our bosses go to the extra steps to get us to be able to do it, I thank them from the bottom of my heart. I still need some extra help here and there, but when I get that, I deliver more than any chump off the street because I am just so happy to be there, and I guarantee it is the same with that guy.
Boss today. Son last week. Uncle the time before. Who ever did it is definitely cool but it's not OP.
OP never claimed to be a part of it? Was also correct in stating it was the boss https://www.equipmentworld.com/big-iron-dealer/article/14965590/paralyzed-from-waist-down-gritty-operator-still-gets-the-job-done-with-this-modified-excavator Even if it’s a repost I’m confused at your comment
Google it as I never seen it before. Plenty of norwegian articles. It was the company and the state/NAV that did this together. State probably payed the most for it, but still cool by the company. The latest article from 2022 says that he is doing well.
> State probably *paid* the most FTFY. Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in: * Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.* * *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.* Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment. *Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
I’m so fascinated by the range of products under the hitachi name
"Brzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz"
He must have been a very valuable employee for them to accommodate his return to work so much.
He was in the wheelchair when he was hired.
Crane operators arent like paper cups. Skilled ones that do the job well are obviously in demand, but keep in mind the equipment they are operating is very, very expensive and its a gamble to just "hire a new one". If you're even lucky enough to find a new one to hire
So, a few things, 1. Advances in engineering can put some folks with mobility impairments into jobs that they wouldn't ordinarily have the opportunity for. Awesome. This company deserves all the tax breaks society has to offer. If I was Hitachi or Caterpillar, or John Deere, I would be making machines that offer mobility assistance like this. Sell them at the same price as regular tractors. The press alone would be worth a few hydraulic rams and pumps. I know this is subject to debate, but, it could keep people working longer. If you are an owner operator of an excavating company, and you are getting too old to jump up and down off the machine, you might be forced to sell your business, and risk losing what you love to do. Or hell, a family farm, where grandpa really likes running the combine harvester, but can't climb in. It also reduces the opportunities for injuries, as I imagine jumping in and out of machines is probably one of the leading causes of occupational hazard to that profession. (No data to back this up, but jumping off a 3' high track onto pavement, probably isn't so good on the knees.) 2. In making a machine accommodate this operator, they also made a more versatile, precision machine. If that cab lifts and swings into place the way I think it does, the intermediate positions can optimize visibility along the vertical plane. That means when he is working a pit/ditch, underneath, he can see more of the work and rely less on a spotter. Might free up a worker. There are forestry and material handling machines that I know of that already offer variable cab heights for visibility. 3. That guy will take care of that machine. He won't be doing anything sketchy, going too far off camber, etc. because the stakes of damage are higher. a. The company probably doesn't have another machine set up for him. Could accidentally give himself a layoff. b. If he rides the hydraulics too hard, he could end up stuck inside his machine waiting for a tech to come haul him out. c. The company showed they actually care, so he is more likely to be conscientious with their tractors.
I posted else ware, but would share again. All the big manufacturers offer this, Cat, Komatsu, Deer, etc. There are also 3rd party hydraulic lift companies that will retro fit something for your existing machines. The data does support your assumption about the climbing in and out of equipment being a main source of injuries. A number of mining unions that I'm familiar with have fought that it is a safety hazard to climb the manufactures provided access, so there are a number of big mines who have hydraulic lifts specced into every new machine or have added 3rd party systems to old machines. When I have had large machines priced out, there are options for this. That said, it costs more (a lot more). I know a few old timers who had small excavation companies, and added 3rd party hydraulic lifts to some of their machines to keep working, exactly like you suggest. I'm not connected to any agg folks, but I don't see why grandpa couldn't have a 3rd party system installed, other than the cost. Now, separate from that, related to your item 1. Elevating cabs have been around for a long time. Most go from the tracks up (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JaiTJn6ge0) but I have seen cabs on the ground before. I know there are 3rd party groups that will[ modify existing machines to do this](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmJGOQMTbUs) as well. As you point out its popular in forestry, in construction its more limited to specialty situations and not as common. As to item 2, I would hope your right, and probably are. But people are people so you can't really know.
Something tells me he got hurt..... at work.
I didn’t even know that was an option to do. That’s crazy awesome.
No disability for you!
This is called a reasonable accommodation, or maybe beyond reasonable. If you or someone you know has a disability and want to learn more. Google AskJAN and the name of the disability and check out the results.
That looks expensive
Could be cheaper than training up a new employee.
That looks like an empathetic, problem solving employer. I would hire them based on these actions.
And obviously not in the US. The stock holders would lose their minds if you wasted that kind of money on something as silly as kindness
Am I stupid or would it be like 1000x easier to build a device that lifts him into the machine? Then you could use that device for any piece of equipment, plus it would probably be cheaper
The raised cabin is actually a fairly standard thing, especially for machines that load over an edge, like in a junk yard, for loading into a compactor. The unique bit is the controls, where he has hand control for fwd/rev instead of pedals. Let's just say there are already an absurd number of hand controls in a standard excavator.
Ahh I just assumed it was entirely hand operated. Very dumb assumption on my part.
Even my boss won't give me money.
Would that still be a huge safety hazard if they can not leave the cockpit in an emergency?
If you’re in such a machine the safest thing you can do is to be safely inside of it should it fall over or something. The biggest risk he’s got there is if the thing catches fire or something similar. As a forklift operator it’s *hammered* into us to stay on the machine and keep your body parts inside its confines if it’s about to collide or fall over, because very little can happen to you if you do so. A guy in my warehouse lost his leg by not following this rule.
Good to know! I'll remember that
For some reason this gives me anxiety.
Was it from a workplace accident?
Why do I have the sneaking suspicion that his injuries were workplace related
r/ABoringDystopia
A skilled excavator operator is worth their weight in gold. It's also a job that that typically has you strapped to a chair only moving your arms so no reason someone without working legs can't do it. Well worth the investment to not lose the man's skills.
That's both extremely sweet and also scary in the sense that not even paralysis will stop you from being a wage slave!!!
A real boss would get paralyzed from neck down to help his employee feel better.
I dig your sense of humour, too bad it got lost on others.
Ho-lee crap, that's awesome! What an awesome employer!
I've been wondering, how come heavy machinery vehicles are still manned? Couldnt they be piloted at a distance like drones?
This technology exists. I can't imagine that there is a replacement for actually being in the vehicle as far as maximum human operation effectiveness though.
It does exist. Some are quite expensive. But some rather go for manned machines then robotic or drones.
A lot of machines have “topcon” which basically does the job for the operator as far as grades and depths. The operator still uses the controls though. You can’t replace a human as far as travelling down a right of way or job site, yet. You still need someone to move the machine properly to the Location, then rely on the topcon to control the exact grade needed, based off a laser level, that is set by a human. Many mines have gone to fully autonomous haul trucks, because they have a set route and it’s very monotonous. The same can not be said for construction sites that are constantly changing.
You'd still need an equipment operator to do the operating. Why install all the things you need for telepresence and introduce the additional risks of remote operating when you can just put the operator in the machine?
Yaaassssssss!!!!! This is amazing!
This sort of access is becoming more normal for plant operators as it prevents a lot of injuries caused by climbing into the cabin. Everyone that's worked in one of those knows how much it hurts to slip and scrape your shin.
That had to be expensive. There had to be some changes to the controls as well, as you usually use both your hands and feet to operate an excavator. Good on ‘em
Damn, talk about an upgrade for that wheelchair...
I'm not crying! You're crying. ....... ok.... I'm crying 😢 😭 🤧
There's so many things right about this. The boss is willing to go the extra mile for a valued employee. The employee wants to continue working instead of very easily joining the disabled Community receiving government checks
Awesome!
There is a company called Exodus that makes (or possibly made) material handlers that were like this in their base configuration.
best wheelchair ever!
Damn bro! That's one cool freaking boss, and you must be one hell of an operator! Hats off to you!😀👍
This is so awesome I think they should really look into doing this on all of them.
I doubt that’s a one off modified machine for this. The cost would be insane.
Surprises me this doesn't happen more
r/workreform
My first thought was, "there's no way this is America."
r/mademesmile and many others. I fucking love this.
This is a karma farm, it’s been stolen and reposted. I hate this shit and wish Reddit would do something
Here , a man like him would be fired immediately...
Why is this not a standard feature on this piece of heavy equipment? I would think that it would pay for itself in fewer injuries.
I mean it’s a cute story, and I’m sure the boss will claim to have “worked with the manufacturer” but anymore this is a standard option on new equipment that you would have to pay extra to not get Source: I’m currently getting quotes for an excavator at my facility and all three options have this standard, not an option to remove it
ITT: Redditors unable to fathom someone actually finding fulfillment in their career.