Whether you work in an outdoor job or as a while collar worker in an office accidents and illnesses can and do take place while work is being undertaken. If you are a member of the Office and Professional Employees International Union this helps to relieve the burden of the outcome of a serious accident and any associated injuries. It makes it easier to file for workers’ compensation to help cover the financial burden you may encounter while recovering from the accident and not being able to work. The Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) This is a U.S. trade union representing 104,000 white-collar workers who work in both the private and public sector. It had its origin in 1942, formed by a band of locals and called at that time the International Council of Office Employee Unions. In 1945, this union became attached to the AFL as the Office Employees International Union. It started with 22,000 members and by 1960 had risen to 50,000. It assumed the name used today in 1965. It has been involved in mobilizing workers in the insurance industry. It also has experience in assisting members submit workers’ comp. claims following a work place injury. Common Workplace Injuries There are all sorts of injuries that take place to those working in workplaces covered by the Office and Professional Employees International Union. A nurse for example as well as being subject to transmittable diseases while having contact with sick patients he or she may suffer from: • Back injuries from moving patients • Exposure to blood products that could be infected by HIV • Tripping and falling over hazards dropped by patients and other employees leading to head injuries. • Slipping and falling in a staff canteen causing limb breakages and back injuries Office Workers Could Acquire: • Repetitive strain injury from using computers with little time off to rest • Tripping over furniture or electrical leads left on the floor • Colds and flu from constant contact with other employees. Steps You Should Take When Injured in an Office A certain course of action following a workplace injury is necessary before submitting a claim. • The first is to seek medical treatment immediately. • The second is to report the accident on the required documentation to the supervisor, including an accident report. • The third is to make sure that any visible signs of the cause of the accident have been described and even photographed so that the evidence isn’t lost and workplace witnesses contacted. • The fourth is to discuss the incident with your union representative who can help you with a claim for workers’ compensation. • The fifth is to contact an attorney who will help with the submitting of the worker’s comp. claim. How an Attorney Can Help You Legally As long as the accident took place while at work there should be no reason why a worker’s comp. claim should not be paid. You should talk to an attorney before agreeing to any worker’s comp. payment as so often insurers responsible for funding the worker’s comp. claim come up with a lump sum offer which will not cover the financial burden of your injuries. Make sure your legal rights are protected by calling an attorney before anything else is done. 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.
