Being a member of a labor union like IAM provides a layer of protection for you and your career. IAM ensures that over 200 machine and aerospace-related employers provide a safe work environment, fair pay, and regulated hours to their workers. However, regulation can only do so much to prevent the occasional accident. If you were recently injured while working, then there may be more work to be done that IAM cannot provide. In order to get compensation from your employer for your injuries, you will need to file a workers’ compensation claim. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers IAM, initially the Order of United Machinists and Mechanical Engineers, was founded long before many of its supported jobs even existed. In 1888, the union was formed to protect machinists and engineers working on railroads, ships, buildings, and other large-scale construction projects. As airplanes and space travel entered into the mix, the union grew to become IAM, a coalition of North America trade workers specializing in the engineering, building, and implementation of transportation vehicles and technology. Today, IAM represents almost 650,000 workers across the continent. Potential Injuries Working in any construction or engineering job comes with a variety of different hazards. In fact, even IAM members may be unaware of precisely how many dangers they avoid each day. While employers do their best to keep work environments safe, there is always a risk for accidents involving: faulty machines electrical malfunctions sharp or heavy tools hazardous materials slippery or broken flooring repetitive motions that can cause injury over time to the knees, wrists, back, or neck After your injury, the first course of action should be to get yourself to a hospital and address your injuries. Once this is done, you can focus on preparing for the claim you will send to your employer. How to Prepare Your Workers’ Comp Claim Start by writing down everything you know about the accident. Where were you when it happened? What were you doing? Was there any warning for what occurred? What happened afterward? All of these are important questions that you should answer in great detail. Next, gather evidence from the accident itself. Start by asking coworkers or supervisors if anyone else was present for the accident. If so, ask for their information and a statement of what they saw (you can include these statements along with your own on your claim.) Then, take photographs (or get someone else to take photographs) of the scene of the accident, especially if it demonstrates in any way how the accident occurred. Finally, take your evidence (along with all medical bills) to an IAM representative. Ask them to consult the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between IAM and your employer to see how workers’ compensation is addressed. Then, compile your evidence and inform your employer of the incident. Considering a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Labor unions like IAM can help you with your workers’ comp claim to an extent. However, if you want to be sure your claim is as professional and strong as it can be, it would be wise to consult with a workers’ comp attorney. Not only will they build you a strong case, but they can negotiate terms with your employer that would be difficult without legal help. Should your initial claim not be successful, they can help you to try again, potentially represent you in court, and make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Additional Resources Aircraft Mechanics and Workers' Compensation I Got Hurt Working on the Railroad. What Do I Do? 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.*
