Affiliations: The University of Western Ontario, London,
Ontario | The Canadian Injured Workers' Alliance
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Crystal Arnold, MSc Candidate, The
University of Western Ontario, Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty
of Health Sciences, Elborn College, 1201 Western Rd., London, Ontario, N6G 1H1
Canada. Tel.: +1 519 661 2111 x.88971; Fax: +1 519 661 3894; E-mail:
carnold8@uwo.ca
Abstract: Background: The aim of this case study was to explore transitions of
an injured worker suffering from multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), and his
lived experiences in learning to function in everyday life with this injury. To
date, little research exists about the transitions of a worker to an injured
worker beyond the focus of strategies in returning to work and rehabilitation.
Methods: The injured worker's perspective was captured through
the use of metaphors in understanding the transition processes of participating
in daily life without work. Metaphors were used to facilitate this injured
worker's expression of deep thoughts and feelings, and to allow for different
and abstract ways of thinking about disability and illness. Findings: Metaphors were identified within several
transitions involved in the process of going from a worker to an injured worker
functioning in daily life. Conclusions: The findings from this case study can be shared
with others as a means of increasing the awareness of the experiences in
managing daily life when living with MCS. In addition, insights from this
injured worker's case could act as a venue for distributing knowledge about
chemical injuries to health care professionals to broaden their views of this
injury and its treatment.
