The J.M. Smucker Company is well-known for their jams and jellies. They also produce a large variety of foods and popular brands that include Hungry Jack, Jif peanut butter, and Folgers coffee. They provide a lot of jobs in the United States. As a J.M. Smucker employee, are you able to pay for medical care if you are hurt on the job? What would you do if you were hurt and unable to work? Do you have money in savings to help you pay for groceries or rent? Help for Hurt Workers Your state has legal requirements in place that require most employers to have workers’ compensation insurance. It’s a safety net for employees who are hurt on the job. If you are hurt during your shift, you should consider filing a workers’ compensation claim. Many workers unable to work due to injury may qualify to receive a portion of their lost wages. Company Profile: The J.M. Smucker Company The J.M. Smucker Company is a publicly traded corporation. They are headquartered in Orville, Ohio. They have approximately 7,500 employees world-wide, including 1,700 employees working at their headquarters in Orville, Ohio. Smucker’s Employees Face Risks Daily All employees face risk of being hurt while performing their daily job duties. Office workers, packagers, assembly line producers, maintenance, heavy machine operators, and even drivers face specific risks. The following isn’t meant to be an all-inclusive list of risks. It is simply a short list of common risks. Any type of repetitive work can lead to injuries in joints, shoulders, the back, or neck. Assembly line workers deal with fast moving conveyor belts. They have to keep a steady pace to ensure products are made and packaged in a timely manner. There is a risk of muscle strain in arms and back. This type of injury can be discomforting but can become aggravated very quickly leading to pulled muscles and tears. These workers are also at risk of developing repetitive stress injury. Although it sounds minor, repetitive stress injury can totally stop a person from working. Warehouse and distribution workers handling heavy machinery are at risk of being hurt. Clothing, hair, arms, or hands can become caught in moving parts. The risks could be loss of body parts, broken bones, or even death. Prolonged standing can put a strain on knees and lower back and can cause long-term pain. The strain can lead to workers needing corrective surgeries. You can probably think of common risks that you face just based on your personal job description. Keep those risks in mind to help minimize the chance that you’re hurt on the job. Do You Know What to Do If You Are Hurt? Do not continue to work if you are hurt on the job. Doing so can cause your injury to worsen. Notify your manager of your injury. They need to be able to access the situation and ensure that all hazards are removed so that your coworkers are protected. Speak with your manager about the steps you need to take in order to file an accident report. You should consider filing a workers’ compensation claim. This can help you with your medical expenses, prescriptions, and other things you may need because of your injuries. You have a right to receive medical care. If you have a medical emergency, call 911. Otherwise, ask your manager how you can make an appointment with an approved doctor who may treat you at no charge. You have the option to see your personal doctor, but you may have to pay out of pocket. Make sure that you keep your receipts because it is possible that you will be reimbursed for those expenses. Learn About Your Rights Under the Law If you are having trouble getting workers’ compensation benefits or want to learn more about your rights under the law, consider talking to an experienced lawyer. A consultation with an attorney may help you clear things up and determine if you would benefit from representation. *The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against J.M. Smucker Company, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
