The members of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers (AWIU) are vital members of the workforce, even if most people don’t know they exist. Those working in the field of insulation and asbestos protection keep our buildings comfortable and safe. And, more often than not, these workers do so at their own risk for the sake of our ongoing safety. If you are a member of the AWIU and were recently injured at work, then you may be eligible for full compensation of your injury through workers’ compensation. The AWIU The AWIU was initially founded in 1903 to support what was once the Pipe Coverers Union. Since then, the union has endured through challenges and health crises in the industry to emerge stronger than ever. Today, AWIU is one of the most active mid-size unions in the US and Canada, providing continued support to members and their to ensure secure, responsible, well-paid, and safe working environments for employees. Potential Injuries Even with the hard work of the AWIU, insulation workers face a number of unavoidable hazards from day-to-day. The most common hazard insulation workers face is harsh weather. For instance, those in charge of blowing and placing insulation in the cold are subject to things like frostbite, hypothermia, and various slip and falls. Other injuries like heatstroke or bruising may be caused by extreme heat or unexpected falling supplies or tools. While there are measures in place to prevent these injuries as much as possible, the occasional accident can cause severe injury which may require medical care, hospitalization, or time off of work. Workers’ compensation was created solely for instances like these. If you were injured in a similar situation while working, then you are eligible to file a claim with your employer to try and get full compensation. Preparing Your Claim When preparing your claim, it is important to remember that you can never have too many details. A strong, detailed claim has the best chance at getting you full compensation for your accident. Start by writing a full account of everything you remember from the accident. Then, compile all the evidence you have that can support your claim. Photos are arguably the strongest evidence you provide — they can show the cause of an accident at the incident site, or can demonstrate the severity of your injuries. You can also get testimonies from coworkers or customers if they were present at the incident. Finally, organize and include all medical evidence you have. Physician notes, hospitalization records, prescriptions, and medical bills should be provided to both a) show the severity of your condition, and b) justify how much you are asking in compensation. Once this information is ready, speak to an AWIU representative to figure out how to move forward with filing your claim. Depending on your union’s relationship with your employer, this process may vary slightly. Consult with a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Workers’ comp attorneys can assist you in ways that your union can’t. Their legal knowledge is essential for making sure your claim is properly composed and filed according to legal standards. Should your employer have difficulty fulfilling your claim, an attorney is especially useful when moving forward in the process. Schedule a free consultation with a worker’s compensation attorney near you to see if their assistance may be useful during your claim. Additional Resources Construction Workers and Workers' Compensation Workers' Compensation Claims by Injury Disclaimer: The content of this article is purely informative and should not be construed as official legal advice. If you file a claim against your employer or another party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.*
