The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers and Workers’ Compensation No workplace is entirely safe and free of potential accidents and some are inherently riskier than others, like sheet metal work. Being a member of a union can help to improve workplace safety provisions, but never eliminates entirely the risk of being hurt. If you are injured while on the job your union representative can help explain workers’ compensation procedures which can pay for medical expenses and part of any lost earnings. The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) Sheet metal workers involved in metal construction in the aerospace, boiler construction, shipbuilding, air conditioning and architectural industries, just to mention a few, may have joined the Sheet Metal Workers International Association until 2014. The union then amalgamated with the United Transportation Union (UTU) and became SMART, the name for the newly created International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers. 150,000 union members in 185 locals were originally part of the original union. SMART represents sheet metal workers in workplaces across the U.S. and Canada. Common Sheet Metal Workplace Injuries Sheet metal work has inherent risks. Metal plates and sheets are sharp at the edges and even with safety gear provided can cause nasty gashes. Cuts that are not treated quickly enough can later become infected. Sheet metal equipment can cause severe cuts, burns and electrocution. SMART agreements on health and safety help to make training procedures and safety equipment availability better but don’t eliminate risk. Fortunately, workers’ compensation benefits are available regardless of fault. Slipping and falling in a sheet metal fabrication workplace environment is an ever present hazard, especially if the area is crowded with equipment and materials. Slip and fall injuries vary from minor cuts and bruises to bone breakages, joint dislocations and brain damage if the head is hurt on falling. S.M.A.R.T. Steps to Take if Injured While at Work There is an established procedure if you have been hurt at work as a member of SMART. Let your immediate workplace supervisor know about the injury and the circumstances surrounding the accident. If seriously injured, a work colleague or the union representative should inform the supervisor for you. Get medical attention or treatment, even if the injury is not serious. Make sure you keep copies of all medical documentation. You will need to file an Accident Report. Ideally, this should be done as soon as possible, but if seriously injured, a medical report can be obtained from the hospital you are taken to and a copy can be used when filing a claim later. Let your union representative know what happened and the extent of your injury and get help with procedure to file a workers’ compensation claim. You may need to contact a workers’ comp. attorney at some point in the claim process. When a Workers’ Comp. Attorney Can Help Not all claims are straightforward. Avoid contact with your employer’s insurer whose main role is to limit liability. A workers’ compensation attorney can help you prepare your claim and assist you if your rightful claim is denied or payment is less than it should be. Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against your employer, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
