Gurmeet works for a mattress manufacturer. His job involves operating industrial sewing machinery to assemble mattress and bedding components, precision stitching, measuring and cutting materials, inspecting finished seams for quality control, as well as performing routine machine maintenance and coordinating with the production team. He has age-related hearing loss.
“High background noise in the factory makes it difficult to hear safety warnings, equipment alerts, and verbal instructions from coworkers,” he shares. “It also prevents me from hearing subtle mechanical changes in my sewing machine, causing listening fatigue and safety risks.”
His audiologist referred him to WorkBC Assistive Technology Services for help funding the hearing aids he needs for work. “The WorkBC Assistive Technology Services program provided essential financial support to cover the cost of my hearing aids, which made them affordable for me. This support removed significant physical and financial barriers, allowing me to stay safely and productively employed,” he explains.
Gurmeet has noticed a big difference on the job. “I can now perform my job duties much more safely, efficiently, and with far less daily strain,” he says.
“I can now hear machinery alerts, facility alarms, and moving equipment on the shop floor, keeping me and my coworkers safe. I can hear subtle audio cues from my industrial sewing machine (such as tension snaps or thread breaks), allowing me to catch issues early and prevent product defects,” he continues.
“I can easily hear verbal instructions from supervisors and quality managers without asking them to repeat themselves over background noise. I experience significantly less mental strain and listening fatigue during long shifts, allowing me to maintain high focus and quality standards.”
Gurmeet appreciates the service he received through WorkBC Assistive Technology Services.
“I would highly recommend this program. The Assistive Technology Services program provides essential financial and practical support for workers with disabilities. It removed significant financial barriers, allowed me to obtain the exact hearing technology I needed, and has directly improved my workplace safety, job performance, and long-term employment stability,” he shares.
“Thank you to the WorkBC ATS team and staff for making this process smooth and accessible. This support has made a genuine difference in my day-to-day safety and well-being at work.”
WorkBC Assistive Technology Services is operated by Neil Squire. Assistive Technology Services are available to individuals who have a work-related barrier due to a disability or a functional limitation. This may include barriers related to traveling to and from the workplace.
Questions about WorkBC Assistive Technology Services? Need help applying? Contact us: 1-844-453-5506 or info-ats@workbc.ca
Please visit www.workbc-ats.ca (new window) for more information about WorkBC Assistive Technology Services.
