Norman Milne – Machine Superintendent

“When you go back to work after being ill, you need to have a positive attitude”

Refining the process of making paper revolutionised written communication. By the nineteenth century it was becoming a worldwide industry and for more than three decades manager Norman Milne has been part of that industry.

Norman works in the production unit at Ahlstrom Fiber Composites in Berwickshire and as a manager, has to ensure that the paper the company makes for use in everyday products such as teabags, wipes and tapes is of the highest quality.

In 2005, after a long uninterrupted career which began in a traditional paper mill, Norman was forced to take sick leave after being diagnosed with serious heart problems. However, three years after a major heart operation, he is feeling fully recovered and back in his office.

Employer's story

Norman’s experience in the industry is highly valued. “He understands how things work in production and because of his experience he’s very good at troubleshooting” says Martin Tennant, Personnel Officer at Ahlstrom. He adds: “His main strength is his experience but he also relates well to others at work.”

Six months after his heart operation, Norman returned to work on a part time basis and gradually increased his working hours. His return to work was at his own pace and this is something the company encourages – phased returns which are appropriate to an employee’s health and circumstances.

Martin says: “We also take into consideration the nature of someone’s job and for example in Norman’s case we looked at whether there was anything we could to do reduce stress or pressure in his job. In the end, it was a case of negotiating his return to work on a part time basis.”

Employees with health problems are well supported by the company. They can obtain advice about their fitness for work or about any adjustments that need to be made to support them at work, from the occupational health specialists who regularly visit the company. They can also take advantage of a company scheme which gives them two days permitted absences per year which can be used for personal or health related issues.

Employee's story

Within six weeks of being diagnosed with serious heart problems, Norman was in a Glasgow hospital having a quadruple bypass operation. It was his first time ever as a hospital patient so both the diagnosis and the operation came as a big shock. The bypass operation was a success but whilst recovering at home, Norman had additional health problems after he was diagnosed with pneumonia. However, six months after his operation, he felt well enough to go back to work on a part time basis. “I just felt I had to get back to work, although it took some time to get used to the job again. It was also quite tiring to begin with” says Norman.

As a manager, Norman’s responsibilities include overseeing production processes and supervising other employees. During his sick leave, another colleague covered his job but the hand over back to Norman, had to be carefully managed. Norman says: “The colleague who covered my job when I was off, did things differently from me. It was a sensitive situation and working together meant that I had to learn to manage myself and manage my ego.”

Norman says that it took about two years to feel fully recovered from the operation, but he knows that he’s not alone. He knows that other employees in his and other industries have health problems. From his experience, he’s learnt that making a return to work isn’t always just about readjusting to work but could be about having to make changes in personal behaviour or attitude. He says: “Going back to work is definitely something you have to work at. People are affected in different ways by their illnesses which is why employers have to treat people on an individual basis and look at individual circumstances.”

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