Every day there are hundreds of work accidents across the country. Despite the safety protocols in place, these accidents continue to happen. Workers in toy factories are not free from the inherent risks of the workplace. These injuries can result in mounting medical bills and lost wages from the inability to work while recovering from the injuries. You might be able to file a claim for workers' compensation benefits. International Union of Allied Novelty and Production Workers Traditionally, the International Union of Allied Novelty and Production Workers represented workers in toy factories. After much of the toy industry relocated to China, the union added membership from other construction, manufacturing, and healthcare fields. The union now has more than 22,000 members. Its office is in Chicago. The union is one of the smallest members of the AFL-CIO. Common Workplace Injuries Regardless of the safety protocol in place, workplace accidents will happen. Slip and fall accidents are common in a variety of work environments, including the toy industry, construction, manufacturing, and healthcare roles. These falls can lead to broken bones, back injuries, and even head injuries. Other injuries that might result involve crushed fingers and limbs as a result of working with various equipment. Machines can crush hands and fingers and result in serious lacerations that require extensive medical care. Some machines can lead to severed fingers and damaged tendons and ligaments. Burns are common for those workers who work with molds and deal with molding hot metals or plastics. These can be serious burns that require treatment from a burn center. Workers can be scalding if they work with hot water and steam as well. The International Union of Allied Novelty and Production Workers might have bargained in regards to workers' comp benefits, so check on that when filing your claim. What to Do If You Have Been Hurt On the Job If you have suffered a work-related injury, you should do everything that you can to protect your rights. Here are a few tips on what to do after a work accident: Tell your supervisor about your accident. Make sure management is aware of what happened even if your injuries appear insignificant. Make sure an accident report is filed right away if at all possible. Your employer is supposed to complete an accident report. If you have serious injuries and 911 is called, the responding officer will complete an accident report. Get copies of any reports that are filed. Go get medical care right away. Even if you don't think your injuries are serious, you should be examined by a medical professional. Before filing a workers' compensation claim, consult with your International Union of Allied Novelty and Production Workers representative for advice. Protect Your Legal Rights If you have been hurt at work, those injuries are covered by workers' compensation. The previously listed tips are very beneficial when you file a claim. Don't try to deal with the insurance company on your own because you might sign something that gives up your rights to a claim. Consult with a workers' compensation lawyer before you file your claim so you can ensure your rights are protected and that you are treated fairly throughout the claims process. Additional Resources What Does Workers' Compensation Cover? What Types of Injuries Does a Workers’ Compensation Claim Cover? *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.
