What Steelworkers Do Steel workers are involved in a variety of jobs related to steel such as making steel girders and other structural steel products so that steel frameworks can be constructed. They also may cut, weld or bend steel pieces, using specialized metal shears, welding equipment and torches. Most steel workers complete jobs after instructions from supervisors. They complete the tasks in undercover buildings under strict safety guidelines. This doesn’t mean accidents never happen and when they do they can be quite serious. Common Workplace Injuries for a Steelworker There are all sorts of possible injuries that a steel worker could encounter such as: facial injuries from being struck by a piece of metal; burning from the use of welding equipment; ; back injuries from lifting heavy steel objects;; heat exhaustion if the building becomes too hot.; Next Steps After a Steelworker’s Workplace Injury If you were involved in an accident as a steelworker and you were injured you should immediately report the incident to your supervisor. If you have to seek medical treatment urgently you should ask for a fellow worker to report the incident. Photographs of the accident scene should be taken if at all possible. It’s also important to get the names and addresses of any eye witnesses. Workers’ comp. is a no-fault type of insurance, so there is no need to prove that the company was at fault. You may find that working with an experienced workers’ comp. attorney speeds up the claim process. How Workers Compensation May Help Fortunately, if you have been injured working as a steelworker, your employer should have workers’ comp. cover so that you can get paid a certain percentage of your income while you are unable to work. This depends to some extent on the state where the steel works is located, but is around the two thirds of average earnings figure. Your medical treatment costs should be covered as well. Workers’ comp. ensures you aren’t out of pocket due to an injury. It doesn’t matter who or what caused the injury you may still be entitled to workers’ compensation payments. Permanent disability is usually available if you are unable to return to work or help with adjusting to another job may also be available. Why You Should Contact a WC Attorney It all seems quite straightforward on paper, but often an employer’s workers’ comp. insurer thinks up any excuse not to make a payment. They can be quite intimidating and one of the reasons they often give for not honoring a claim is that your injury didn’t take place at work. Your workers’ comp. attorney will help to ensure all the evidence to prove your accident took place at work is foolproof. In the event that the claim is denied, then the attorney can help you with an appeal which is a more protracted process. Additional Resources When Should I Start My Workers' Compensation Claim? Workers' Compensation Claims by Injury
