Workers are injured every single day. Bricklayers and craftworkers are no exception. If you have been injured on the job, you will have mounting medical bills and will not be getting a paycheck because you are unable to work. Most employers are required to maintain workers' compensation insurance to protect their workers and themselves in the event of a work-related injury. If you have been hurt on the job, you might be able to benefit from filing a workers' compensation claim. International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers The International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers represents workers in the U.S. and Canada. Members are bricklayers, stonemasons, terrazzo mechanics, tilesetters, restoration specialists, pointers/caulkers/cleaners, cement masons, plasterers, marble masons, terrazzo finishers, tile finishers, and marble finishers. Affiliated with the AFL-CIO, CLC and NAMTU, the union started in 1865 and has 76,233 members. The office is located in Washington, D.C. The current name came to be in 1995 when craftsmen was changed to craftsworkers. The current union head took office in 2010. Common Workplace Injuries Despite the safety gear and safety protocol used in the bricklaying and craftspeople industries, injuries still happen regularly. As an example, the repetitive bending and lifting done by those working with bricks, marble, and tile can lead to back injuries that are painful and that require surgical intervention. Collapsing walls can lead to broken bones, internal injuries, head trauma, and even spinal injuries. The equipment used to cut tiles, marble, and other materials can lead to severed fingers, deep lacerations and serious cuts that require extensive medical care. The chemicals used in the process can cause skin burns and breathing problems if you come into contact with it or are around it for extended periods of time. Just like with many other professions, slip and fall accidents are common. A slip and fall on a work site can break bones, cause neck or back injuries, and even cause serious cuts and lacerations that damage tendons and ligaments. Any of these injuries might require physical rehabilitation and ongoing medical care while a lot of work is missed during the recovery. Your International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers representative might be able to help you with the claims process. What To Do If You Have Been Hurt On the Job If you have been hurt on the job, you need to do everything that you can to preserve evidence and protect your rights for a workers' compensation claim. Here are a few tips regarding what to do after an accident at work: Notify your supervisor about the accident. Make sure your supervisor was aware of what occurred even if the injuries do not appear to be significant. File an accident report with your employer. If your injuries are serious, call 911 and the responding officer will complete an accident report. Keep copies of any accident reports that are filed. Get medical care right away. Even if your injuries don't appear to be serious, you should get a thorough examination from a trained medical professional. Before you file a workers' compensation claim, talk with your International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers representative for advice about filing your claim. Protect Your Legal Rights If you have been injured on the job, you are covered by workers' compensation. The tips listed above are beneficial in helping you through the claims process. Don't try to negotiate with the insurance company by yourself because you might sign away your rights unknowingly. Consult with a workers' compensation attorney who will look out for your best interests. Also, tell your lawyer you are a member of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers because you might be entitled to additional benefits or privileges. Additional Resources Construction Workers and Workers' Compensation Laborers and Machine Operators and Workers' Compensation *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.
