Every state requires that most employers have workers’ compensation insurance in place to help employees who get sick or hurt on the job. It provides for doctors’ visits, prescriptions, surgery, therapy, and other expenses that are caused by the injury or illness. It can also pay out a portion of the employee’s lost wages. In this article, you’re going to learn about how workers’ comp can protect you and what you should do if you are hurt on the job. Business Profile: Johnson Controls Inc. Johnson Controls Inc., is headquartered in Milwaukee, WI, but they have locations all over the nation. They are one of the most well-known heat and air providers. Johnson Controls manufactures heat and air systems, thermostats, refrigeration equipment, automotive seats, and more. Many smaller HVAC companies buy their products from Johnson Controls. Johnson Controls Risks Johnson Controls Inc., has a manufacturing and warehouse facility. So, it has some unique risks to its workers. In addition to people who work in both manufacturing and the warehouse environment, there are employees who drive company vehicles to job sites. Of course, each Johnson Controls also has office staff to support the needs of the facility. Here are some of the specific risks faced by employees: Women who are considering becoming pregnant will be exposed to an environment that can affect the unborn baby. Many chemicals used to make batteries and heat and air equipment are more than caustic. They can enter into your body and affect your unborn child. Anyone working on the manufacturing side is running the risk of lead exposure. Lead exposure can hurt your brain or your cardiovascular system. Additionally, making batteries can cause life altering burns. Working in the warehouse can expose employees to unique risks. If there are leaking batteries, burns can occur. Spills can result in a slip and fall. Loading heavy equipment into trucks can cause injuries to your neck and back. Drivers for Johnson Controls also face risks. It’s more than the equipment that may be in the vehicle. There’s also the risk of being involved in an auto accident. Office workers aren’t free from risk, either. You could still be exposed to lead particles. You are also at risk of one of the most common injuries known to workers: repetitive stress injury. Injured or Sick? Follow These Steps If you’re injured or sick because of your job at Johnson Controls, file a workers’ compensation claim. Don’t worry about whether you could have prevented the injury. Workers’ comp is in place to help you. Talk with your HR rep or your safety rep to get your claim started. Follow these four steps to help protect your legal rights: Inform your supervisor immediately. Don’t wait. If you’re a driver for Johnson Controls and you’ve been in a wreck, call 911 and then contact your supervisor. Get an accident report finished as soon as you can. Your Johnson Control safety rep, HR rep, or your supervisor can help you with this. Doing the report right away means that you’ll find it easier to remember everything that led up to the accident. For delivery drivers involved in a wreck, you can get a report number from the police. You can get a copy of the report later from the police station. See a doctor as soon as possible. If you’re experiencing symptoms that make you worry about lead poisoning, if you are bleeding, or if you’ve hurt your back or neck, get emergency medical attention. If it’s something minor, such as a sprained wrist from handling heavy equipment in the warehouse, you can make an appointment to see the doctor that’s listed on the workers’ comp policy. Although you can see your own doctor, visiting the doctor on the policy is free for you. If you decide to see your own doctor or if you pay for something related to your injury or illness, keep the receipt. You can be reimbursed. Visit with a workers’ compensation attorney. Johnson Controls has certainly had its share of problems with OSHA. So, their insurance company will look to minimize your injury or illness and try to pay you as little as possible. Get an attorney on your side to ensure that you get what you deserve. Protect Your Legal Rights Your work at Johnson Controls takes care of you and your family. If you’re hurt or sick because of your work, you need an advocate. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help make sure that you get what you need to recover and to help take care of your needs. Don’t talk to the workers’ comp insurance adjustor on your own. Talk with a workers’ comp 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 Johnson Controls, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
