1. DRIVING
Never been advised not to drive, but only capable some days when I feel
up to it due to having underlying health issues. If I exert myself too much
my symptoms increase. This is also part of recovery process plan with GP
and Audiologist to get out and about; as moving my head slightly is to try
and train my brain to function and engage with movement. The exercises
prescribed by the Audiologist are similar to those that are required for
driving. Also I only drive on familiar roads through traffic lights control
and roundabouts
PUMPING UP TYRES
Yes I did do this as on this day I noticed a tyre flat and to prevent any
further potential accidents I pumped it up, but I suffered the consequences
afterwards due to bending down , I had to got to bed for the remainder of
the day as my head was spinning ,had severe earache and felt nauseous. I
discussed this with my GP at my next appointment, he advised not the
best judgement call I had made.
SUPERMARKET
I occasionally go shopping for food if I feel up to it, again to get out and
about and is all part of recovery process to have my arms and upper body
engaged in physical movement to try correct my disturbed balance. I can
lean on the trolley for support and either someone is with me or the
Checkout Operator bag packs for me. Several times I have had to
abandon the shopping and my wife has had to return to the supermarket
and collect the messages later in the day,
I am familiar with the root to drive on as this was one chore I did help
out with before my accident. My car is parked right outside my front door
I have no steps to climb and after 3-4 footsteps can be inside my house
,the shopping is then left for my family to unpack and put away.
WALKING
Never stated that I can’t go out, have stated that I require support
especially on not too good days when my symptoms are severe. This is
all part of my ongoing medical recovery plan as prescribed by GP and
Audiologist. I am unsteady walking most days, I do have a walking stick
for support with my disturbed balance although I try sometimes to take
short walks without the aide as suggested by my Audiologist; again for
correction of posture etc and to become not too dependant on this for
support

2. SWIMMING/GYM
I swim underwater to aid my recovery and to get some form of exercise
and strength in my upper body to compensate lack of mobility and try and
keep my weight down which is a concern for my GP as being overweight
can potentially bring on other medical conditions. My Audiologist and
GP are fully aware that I swim and again this is all part of medical
recovery process. My GP suggested I try and swim as often as possible
TRAIN
I have had three short breaks to see family in England by train either my
wife or son have accompanied me. I am escorted to the Train station and
family meet me at the other end not a lot of physical movement involved.
For any train changes that have to be made we arrange for a Train Guard
to be on call to assist with luggage etc especially if it’s just me and my
son. My sister lives in a large farm house in the middle of Stapleford
Woods so it’s a little bit of Respite for me and the family to enjoy. My
GP is encouraging for me to get about and socialise as he is aware I am
indoors most days without having contact with anyone.
SNOW OFF CAR
I did this on the odd day to help my wife out although I did not drive
afterwards. I helped clear the top and sides of our car there was not much
physical movement involved or looking down. My GP is supportive with
all I try to do and is part of recovery process. He suggests trying various
levels of activity. If I manage to do something regardless of how little it
is a step in the right direction.
BENEFITS
I was awarded Employment Support Allowance from 29/7/11-28/7/12
and again from 19/2/13-21/2/14, the reason for the gap is that I had been
placed in the Work Focused Group as I am classed as still employed, also
due to new Government legislation rules which came into effect April
2012” in that anyone in this category who had received contribution
based benefit could only do so for 365 days” and by then I had.
I was not entitled to income based as my wife works.
I am still in receipt of Industrial Injuries Benefit last had a medical for
this on 14/3/2013 now awarded 25% previously on had 15-20% awarded.
SON TRIPS SCHOOL HOILDAY CAMPS
Yes I have helped out taking my son to school on the rare occasion (SEE
DRIVING) I try to spend as much father /son time as possible when I’ m
feeling OK Since my original accident my son who is aged 10 years has
had behavioural problems at school this is a reaction to seeing me
incapacitated and unable to interactive as I used to with him. He was also
witness to my second accident, therefore huge impact on his life for such
a young child. He sees me at home unable to do most normal things
which is difficult to explain

3. CAR PARK
Check time and date on screen, make sure footage is for all parts of day
for example if its 24 hr ask to view why precautions took place to clear
footpaths etc As when I went to pick car up no grit etc still put down and
cars still in car park If not all time seen request to see it.
No cones or warning signs put out
After several months there still are cars parked in these areas. Did an All
Staff Notice go out to staff warning them that DCC takes no liability etc
for parking there!
SALT/GRIT
The facts are the temperature on 10/1/11 in Dundee was 0 misty and
overcast on the 11/1/11 it was cold icy conditions min -3 max 4. Only
rock salt was available in Dundee as grit bins almost empty and priority
went to clear main roads and there was no resource to purchase a better
quality of salt/grit combi that is effective in extreme weather conditions
which we had at this time. The Rock Salt we had in Dundee at this time
only worked down to 5 degrees. You only have to read the 2012 report
from D.C.C. Detailing the changes put in place after the disastrous
handling of severe weather conditions in 2011