International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers and Workers' Compensation Accidents can happen at the workplace on a daily basis. Injuries may be common for those working as boilermakers, iron ship builders, blacksmiths, forgers and helpers. Strict safety regulations are in place, and a collective bargaining agreement had to be reached with the union. Boilermakers, iron ship builders, blacksmiths, forgers, and helpers have special options available to help them after an on the job injury. If you were hurt while on the job, you should consider filing a claim for workers' compensation benefits. International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers A trade union serving Canada and the United States, the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers is for boilermakers and related occupations. The union offers a four-year apprenticeship program before an individual becomes a journeyman. The organization was founded in 1880 and now has more than 70,000 members. Usually, boilermakers work in fossil and nuclear power plants. They can also work in chemical plants, refineries, and shipyards. Boilermakers do fabricating, rigging, and welding. The current organization is the result of six mergers. Members pay dues. Common Workplace Injuries Although boilermakers have strict safety regulations thanks to the union, accidents still happen. As an example, a welder could suffer serious burns from coming into contact with heated metal. These burns will need immediate medical attention, if they appear to be minor. Manganese, which is a toxic chemical found in welding fumes, can lead to Welder's Parkinson's disease, chest pain, and lung problems. If you have suffered a burn as a boilermaker, you'll want to know how a burn will affect your claim. Just like many other workers, boilermakers can suffer a slip and fall accident on the worksite. A boilermaker could slip and fall hitting his head on equipment or the concrete floor. Falls can take place when rigging or doing fabricating work. Fabricated metal can cause lacerations and deep cuts that require sutures and immediate medical attention. Boilermakers might fall from scaffolding and suffer broken bones, spinal injuries, or traumatic brain injuries. Workers might have to lift heavy objects, which in turn, can lead to back injuries and repetitive trauma injuries. Workers can be hit by falling objects or suffer injuries from using or repairing machinery. Boilermakers can suffer crushed limbs or fingers while performing work duties. Workers' compensation is a no-fault system, so regardless of the circumstances leading up to the accident, employers are required to cover the medical expenses caused by on-the-job injuries and cover the lost wages while the worker heals. Your membership in the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers might impact how your claim is processed. If you were injured at work, your employer will have duties to protect your rights regardless of how the injury occurred. Here are some duties nearly every employer has in the US. What to Do If You Have Been Hurt On the Job If you a boilermaker who has been hurt while working, you should do these things: Tell your supervisor immediately. If you have been hurt, even if your injury is not serious, you must notify your supervisor. If you are able to do so, immediately file an accident report at work. If your injuries are serious, call 911. The officer who responds will complete a report. Get the report number so you can get a copy of the report. You will need this report when you file your workers' compensation claim. If you suffered injuries while at work, you need to get immediate medical attention. Get medical care for any injuries and keep documentation, such as medical records and copies of bills. You should talk with your International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers representative. Your union representative will give you the information you need about filing a workers' compensation claim. You will get any contract-specific details involving workers' compensation benefits and the claims process. Contact a workers' compensation attorney regardless of the severity of your injury. Insurers will often do whatever they can to give you the lowest possible payout or benefits. Workers' compensation lawyers do not charge for a consultation and can be a valuable resource in the claims filing process. Protect Your Legal Rights Injuries sustained while at work are covered by workers' compensation. Make sure you protect your legal rights by following the previously listed steps. Don't attempt to deal with the insurance company on your own because they might pressure you into signing documents that result in loss of your rights. Your International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers representative can help you get the claim started. An attorney familiar with workers' compensation can help you.
