Regardless of your work duties, you are not exempt from workplace injuries. Most employers are required to maintain workers' compensation insurance for their workers regardless of their work duties. While the workers' comp laws vary from one state to another, workers' comp offers medical benefits and covers a portion of lost wages while the worker is recovering from the injuries sustained during his or her work duties. International Union of Operating Engineers A trade union serving people within the United States, the International Union of Operating Engineers is composed of members who work primarily in the construction industry, such as those who operate heavy equipment, are surveyors, mechanics, stationary engineers, or operating engineers who work to maintain heat or other systems for industrial complexes and buildings. The organization was founded in 1896 and has grown to more than 374,521 members. The union headquarters are in Washington, D.C., and the organization is affiliated with the AFL-CIO, CLC and NAMTU. Common Workplace Injuries If you work in the construction industry, you are much more likely to be injured than those working in other fields. While every job has its inherent risks, even those with strict safety protocol are not free from dangers. As an example, a heavy equipment operator could suffer serious injuries when the machinery he or she was operating overturned or if falling rock, dirt, or rubble strikes them and/or machinery. Slip and fall accidents are a real risk on a construction site. Falling and hitting your head or back on concrete or rock can result in serious injuries that require intensive physical rehabilitation services. Falling objects, such as falling rocks, tools, or dirt can hit you and break bones, cause traumatic brain injuries, or result in spinal injuries. If you operate machines, such as saws or sandblasters, you could suffer burns, cuts, or lacerations. Any of these injuries can keep you out of work for a while. Your medical bills can add up quickly and you won't be getting a paycheck for quite some time. Workers' compensation can help you during this challenging recovery process and bargaining done by the International Union of Operating Engineers might have impact on the workers' comp claims process. What To Do If You Have Been Hurt On the Job If you have been injured while working, you need to make sure you do everything to preserve evidence and protect your rights. Here are some tips on how do proceed after a work injury. Make sure you notify your human resources office or your supervisor about your accident as quickly as possible. Even if the injuries don't seem serious, make sure you report it. Get copies of any accident report. Your employer will file a report and if injuries are serious and 911 is called, the responding officer will file a report as well. These reports will support your workers' compensation claim. Make contact with your International Union of Operating Engineers representative and make him or her aware of what happened. They will help you understand the workers' comp claims process and how to get it started. Protect Your Legal Rights If you suffered an injury on the job, you are eligible to receive workers' compensation benefits. By following the steps above, you can make sure you have all the evidence you need to support your claim. Ask your International Union of Operating Engineers representative for help with your claim. You also need to make sure your rights are protected. Don't sign any documents for the insurance company until you consult with a workers' compensation attorney. Additional Resources Construction Workers and Workers' Compensation Workers' Compensation Injury By Equipment 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.
