“I had to relearn everything": Florian's way back into working life

An accident at work can change everything in an instant. Florian Lobe, an industrial electrician at thyssenkrupp Steel, experienced this in November 2022. From one day to the next, his life was turned upside down. But his story is not just one of tragedy, above all it is a story of perseverance and a successful return to work.

Behind every company’s success are the people who make it happen. At thyssenkrupp, protecting the health and safety of our employees has a long tradition. But despite all safety precautions, accidents cannot always be avoided. Florian’s story underlines how crucial it is to stand by affected employees and how targeted support can help them return to working life.

After the industrial accident - a long road to recovery

Before his accident, Florian worked in rotating shifts in maintenance directly at the hot strip mill. During a repair and machine inspection, he was crushed between a wall and a moving slab ferry – a moment that changed his life forever. The consequences of the accident were devastating: shattered bones in his right arm, torn muscles and nerves, and serious injuries to his pelvis, ribs, and spine. Multiple surgeries, including nerve and skin transplants, marked the start of a long and challenging recovery process.

Florian Lobe (left), industrial electrician at thyssenkrupp Steel, with his sister Jasmin Lobe.

Today, Florian has found his place in the maintenance and repair team. “I now work in planning and preparation,” he explains. In his new role, he prepares shutdowns and ensures that all the necessary resources are available for order processing. “Even though my role has changed, I'm still in the same department, working on problem-solving and plant safety – currently focusing on water protection,” says Florian. He benefits from his practical experience: “I'm still at the plant from time to time to check things or carry out commissioning.”

Florian during his rehabilitation process.

The challenges of rehabilitation

The rehabilitation was not only a physical challenge for Florian, but also a mental one. Simple daily tasks had to be relearned step by step. “The beginning was especially hard,” Florian recalls. “From walking to getting dressed to writing, I had to relearn everything.”

The rehabilitation process was also characterized by different development phases: “In the beginning, I made great progress, for example learning to walk again. Later, progress was slower, like being able to turn screws of different sizes.” One of the hardest parts? Patience. “It wasn’t easy accepting how long recovery takes. The toughest time was right after the accident when I couldn’t do much by myself.”

What helped him in particular during this difficult phase? “Knowing that I had a secure job made a lot of things easier for me,” says Florian. He met many patients during rehab who weren’t as fortunate – a reminder that job security can’t be taken for granted.

Back at work – The reintegration process

Before Florian could return to his everyday working life, he had to overcome an important milestone in his recovery process: returning to the scene of the accident. This confrontation posed a particular emotional challenge. “Even though I didn't see exact spot at first, just being back where it happened felt strange,” says Florian. With the professional support of a psychotherapist, he also managed to overcome this hurdle.

Before the accident, Florian worked on the systems in the hot strip mill. Although he now works in the maintenance and repair team, he still comes to his old workplace for inspections or commissioning.

The employer also plays a key role in reintegration after an accident at work. “Fortunately, I received a lot of support,” he says of his experience. thyssenkrupp Steel ensured his return was tailored to his needs. “In addition to providing the necessary work equipment and suitable premises, particular emphasis was placed on flexible working conditions,” says Florian.

In the early phase, when he couldn’t drive, thyssenkrupp gave him flexible working hours and the option to work from home. “This flexibility was essential when it came to coordinating my many medical appointments and therapy sessions,” says Florian. After all, it provided the framework conditions that optimally supported his recovery. “These options still exist today,” emphasizes Florian.

Looking back, Florian is grateful for how the transition went: “All in all, I think I handled that time pretty well.” 

Looking ahead - Florian's goals for the future

Following his successful reintegration, thyssenkrupp Steel is now supporting Florian in his professional growth. He is taking part in appropriate training courses and is being supported in his part-time studies of electrical engineering and information technology as part of the Young Potential program. “My main goal right now is to complete my degree, even if it takes a few more years before I graduate,” says Florian, looking forward with determination.

A role model for others - Florian's story is encouraging

We are grateful for Florian's courage in talking about his fate and setting an example for others. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of holistic support after a workplace accident. His journey shows that while the road back can be tough, it can be successfully mastered with the right combination of medical, therapeutic and company support as well as personal commitment.

Are you interested in occupational safety at thyssenkrupp and would like to get involved? Then visit our OSH website to find out how you can get involved in improving safety in the workplace at your location.