In our incredibly modernized world, most of society doesn’t think often about the lumberjack career. Yet, we rely on lumberjacks every day to provide the wood that we need in our lives to build our homes and businesses. Being a lumberjack is an extremely dangerous career. If you were hurt on the job as a lumberjack and could no longer work, how would you take care of yourself or your family? A devastating on the job injury could quickly become a financial nightmare. Workers’ Compensation: A Safety Net for Injured Workers Each state has a law that says most employers must provide a workers’ compensation insurance policy to protect their workers. If you’re hurt on the job as a lumberjack, you have the option of filing a workers’ compensation claim to get benefits. The benefits that you may receive will depend on how badly you are hurt. However, workers’ compensation can help with your medical bills, prescriptions, job training, physical therapy, or other needs to help you get back on your feet. If you’re unable to work either temporarily or permanently, you may be eligible to receive a portion of your lost wages from workers’ compensation until you can return to your job. If you’re hurt on the job and want to file a workers’ compensation claim, speak with your supervisor or Human Resources representative. When you complete the claim form, ask for a list of doctors who can treat you at no charge. You may still be able to file a workers' compensation claim even if the accident was your fault. Company Profile: Deltic Timber Corporation Deltic Timber Corporation owns more than half a million acres of timberland that they use primarily as lumber for the real estate industry. They are headquartered in El Dorado, Arkansas. They are around 550 employees. Risks Faced By Deltic Timber Corporation Employees Being a lumberjack or working in the sawmill at Deltic Timber Corporation has its risks. This list isn’t meant to be all inclusive. Clothing caught in machinery – Working around chippers and saws can be dangerous. If your clothing gets caught, it can pull you in. You could lose a limb or even your life. Work-related illness – Getting a piece of wood or sawdust in your eye or inhaling it can cause blindness or breathing problems, even cancer in come instances. Being exposed to chemicals in the workplace can also cause you to develop a work-related illness. Saw and axe mishaps – Using a saw or an axe is dangerous even if you’re operating with the utmost caution. Tripping on uneven terrain and landing on a saw or axe can be deadly. Accidentally hitting yourself while you’re working can cause you to suffer from a severe injury that causes you to bleed to death, lose a limb, or need stitches. Repetitive stress injury – Working with machinery, saw, or axe for hours on end each day for long periods of time can cause lumberjacks to develop repetitive stress injury. Although this may seem minor, it can be so painful that you’re unable to work and you may need surgery. Learn about Your Legal Workers' Compensation Rights If you were hurt during your shift at Deltic Timber Corporation, you have legal rights. To learn more about your rights under workers’ compensation law, contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney right away. *The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Deltic Timber, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
