Brotherhood for Shane Noseworthy

Our brother Shane Noseworthy has recently been electrocuted by 69,000 volts whilst installing a pole. With entry wounds in both his right shoulder and right-side lower back, and exit wounds out of his foot, Shane is incredibly lucky to be alive. As a result, Shane has been left with major injuries that could leave him seeking a new career; with three missing toes and a major destruction of muscular systems in his back, he likely won't be able to work as a lineman ever again. Shane's use of his right arm is severely compromised as a result of the entry wound - the doctor's describe the electrical damage as a 'black hole of muscular deterioration that continues inwards as far as the bone.' The loss of three toes has left him permanently off balance and dependent on a special 'boot' that aids him to walk whilst resulting in intense pain if he overdoes it. Six months after the electrocution, the skin has still not fully healed. Skin grafts and medication can only go so far with an electrocution at this level. 

Shane remains in good spirits. He had a smile on his face when he was in the hospital on the day of the incident and he still has one now.

Devastatingly, Shane will receive almost nothing as compensation. Agreements and benefit plans dictate that you need to lose every toe, or an entire limb, in order to qualify for any form of insurance. ‘Getting a lawyer’ to help get compensation is a multi-year process that can’t be afforded on the menial disability benefit provided for injured workers. 

This is a career that demands high risk for great reward. Shane has taken that risk and is somehow losing out on the reward. Shane’s survival is a miracle, but his life remains changed forever. His professional future is now compromised and he must find a new career. 

This could happen to any one of us. We are the only real support we have for one another unless you fall into one of the rare cases where insurance actually applies to a life changing injury. The IBEW goes much further than the regulations and agreements; it is the Brotherhood that holds each other up in times of need. 

Shane is totally unaware of this fundraiser. We ask that our brothers spare what they can as our injured brother finds a new life (how do you find a new life once you become a lineman?) We are all we have to support eachother. 

Shane lives and owns a house in Nova Scotia, Canada, with his girlfriend, his dogs, and his rescue cat Georgie. Like many lineman, he is the primary income for his family. It is up to him to pay the bills. He currently spends his time career searching and being with family and friends.

Any support beyond donations is also heavily appreciated. Fighting union agreements, benefit contracts, insurance contracts, and safety concerns go a long way to benefit every member of the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. What if it was you and you were told you get no compensation for suffering 69,000 volts passing through you? 

Stay lineman strong. Thank you for your consideration and I hope you never have to experience anything like this. Protect each other; you are your Brother's/Sister's keeper, as he/she is yours.

All proceeds will go to Shane to help sustain a normal life whilst recovering from his injuries and developing his new future. These funds will help him and his girlfriend get by until Shane has recovered enough to return to work, in whatever profession that may be. We will be passing the hat around tailboard meetings to contribute to this campaign. 

For any information regarding the campaign for Shane please contact us at [phone redacted].