Ike speaker makes a case for safety in the workplace

Nick Perry had what he wanted, a job with more responsibility and more money that would let him pay for a trip to Europe before he settled down in a career.

He also was within days of earning a black belt in karate after 14 years of training.

Those plans and dreams came crashing down on the 19-year-old Perry when building materials fell on him in a Victoria, British Columbia, lumber yard almost eight years ago.

The accident nearly severed his spinal cord. He is considered an incomplete paraplegic, able to walk with the aid of a leg brace but with little feeling in his extremities.

It has been a long road back. Perry still wants a career, but he has taken a detour that brings him to high schools, places of work and other venues where he can preach the need for workplace safety.

The venue Friday was Eisenhower High School during student assemblies.

Now 27, Perry said he believes he can still relate to high school students as a living example of what can happen with inadequate training.

Even with all he has been through, Perry said he feels fortunate.

"I give back by talking to everyone I can about workplace safety. These accidents happen all the time," he said.

Sadly, Perry is right, according to the Washington Department of Labor and Industries, which sponsored his appearance.

Steve Pierce, public affairs manager for the state agency, said youth are twice as likely to be injured on the job as other workers.

"That is true for a variety of reasons. They are new to the work force and don't have the years of maturity to apply to a first job," Pierce said. "Younger workers can be timid about asking for training."

Such was the case with Perry's accident. Perry said he didn't want to ask too many questions or seek training for fear that he would be viewed as unable to do the work.

He said he cautions students to seek out the training they need. He said he hopes it will be the legacy he leaves once he starts a career.

Since undergoing years of therapy, Perry has made presentations throughout British Columbia and the Northwest Territories. He will be part of up to 25 assemblies in Washington state this year.

"I'm trying to get this message out and get it off the ground so when I decide to do something different, I will have left a legacy," Perry said during an interview. "It's a positive thing. I advocate that people look into these programs. Being able to give back is extremely rewarding."

Now living on a pension, Perry is single and self-sufficient, trying to live each day as normally as possible.

Perry said he hopes to obtain a degree in occupational health and safety and seek a safety officer's position as his career path.

But before he does that, Perry will fulfill his dream to travel to Europe for three months.

"I will get to live out my dream and explore different cultures," he said. "I will have to be aware of my disability. I plan to live it up and see what it has to offer."