One thing about a worker’s daily life in the workplace is that there is always that chance a nasty accident could happen. There could be a higher chance of an accident occurring and a serious injury taking place if the worker is a member of the Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Mason’s International Association due to the nature of the material being handled and worked with on a daily basis. However, membership of the association makes it easier to file a worker’s comp. claim which is an entitlement to a worker who has to take time off work as a result of an accident and is likely to suffer financial hardship. Workers’ comp. insurance is in place to help workers through difficult financial times following an injury. Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association The Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association (OPCMIA) is the oldest Construction and Building Trades Union in the U.S. It can trace its origin back to 1864. Today it offers membership to workers in 2 major sectors of the construction industry which are plaster and concrete. OPCMIA members place and finish concrete for a broad range of uses. OPCMIA members also apply different types of plaster products such as that used in the wall and ceiling industry which requires a well trained and skilled workforce. Common Workplace Injuries Suffered by OPCMIA members The construction industry may well be one of the most dangerous industries because it involves handling a heavy material often at a height and on a large scale construction site like that of a factory, an apartment block or office construction. The sorts of injuries that occur in these situations are caused not only by heavy equipment like cranes and bulldozers moving chunks of concrete and becoming involved in a collision but also workers handling the material at a great height. Common injuries include: Traumatic brain injuries when a load swings and hits a worker or falls from a great height Broken and fractured limbs caused by falling over onto a hard concrete structure on a construction site or in a concrete factory Serious back injuries when falling off scaffolding while fitting concrete Exposure to concrete when it’s wet can cause skin irritation or even 1st, 2nd, or 3rd degree chemical burns. Silica, which is found in the raw material for concrete, can cause injuries to the lungs, including lung cancer and silicosis. The Process to Follow When injured at Work Even though worker’s comp. is usually an entitlement following an injury the victim must follow a set procedure before filing the claim. This means once medical treatment has been obtained it will be necessary to report the matter as soon as possible to the work supervisor as well as file an accident report. Be sure to: Write a detailed account of the accident including drawings if necessary Contact all possible witnesses to ensure they are prepared to write their side of the story Contact the OPCMIA to ensure that they are prepared to support your claim for worker’s compensation Contact an attorney who will work on your behalf to get the worker’s comp. you deserve. Protect Your Legal Rights With Help From a Workers’ Comp. Attorney Your attorney will ensure all the paperwork is put together correctly so that no further questions will be asked by the insurer when it comes to calculating the claim for worker’s compensation. Additional Resources Benefits for Injuries Suffered While Working a Cement Mixer Construction Workers 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.
