If you work in the elevator construction business, you could suffer an injury while working. After all, workers in all industries are injured on the job every day. Some of these injuries are life altering. Even if you following all safety protocol and use all the proper protective gear, you can suffer injuries on the job. If you have been hurt at work, you might be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. While the laws vary from state to state, most employers are required to have workers' compensation coverage. International Union of Elevator Constructors A trade union with members in the U.S. and Canada that construct, service, repair, and modernize escalators, elevators, moving walkways, and other conveyances, the International Union of Elevator Constructors has more than 27,000 members. There are various locals made up of members of the same geographical locations throughout North America. Working with union employers, the International Union of Elevator Constructors administers the National Elevator Industry Health Benefit Plans to provide healthcare and pension benefits to members. The office is in Columbia, Maryland. Common Workplace Injuries If you work in the elevator, escalator, or moving walkway industry, you face work hazards every day regardless of your training and the safety protocol in place. Accidents can happen to even the safest workers. Working around elevators and escalators can lead to crushed fingers and broken bones. Fingers and limbs can even be severed if machinery goes into operation without warning. When using tools, you can suffer deep cuts and lacerations that damage tissues and ligaments. Your injuries can require intensive therapy and ongoing care. Broken chains or coveyor belts can hit you, causing deep cuts or broken bones. The repetitive hand motions and tool usage can lead to repetitive trauma, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Working on these kinds of devices can lead to slip and fall injuries as well. A slip and fall down an escalator or an elevator shaft can led to broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or even paralysis.These injuries can result in mounting medical bills and lost wages for an extensive amount of time. The International Union of Elevator Constructors might have bargaining that impacts how workers' comp claims are filed. What To Do If You Have Been Hurt On the Job If you have suffered work-related injuries, you should preserve evidence and do everything that you can to protect your rights so you can file a workers' compensation claim for your injuries. Here are some tips on how to proceed after a work accident: Be sure you tell your supervisor about the accident as soon as you can. Even if you don't think your injuries are serious, you need to make sure a report is filed. Make sure your employer completes an accident report. Provide them with the details about the incident as quickly as possible while it is still fresh in your mind. If injuries are serious and 911 is called, make sure you get a copy of the report filed by the responding officer. Get checked out by a medical professional. Even injuries that might not seem significant could be much worse than they appear. Always get a thorough examination. Consult with your the International Union of Elevator Constructors representative before you file a workers' compensation claim. Protect Your Legal Rights If you were injured on the job, you should be able to get workers' compensation benefits. By following those tips above, you are on your way to making sure you have gathered the right evidence to support your workers' comp claim. Don't try to deal with the insurance company on your own, instead work with a workers' compensation attorney to make sure your rights are protected. Also, contact the International Union of Elevator Constructors to make sure you get your claim on the right track. Additional Resources Construction Workers and Workers' Compensation Workers' Compensation Claims by Injury 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.
