All across the United States, workers are hurt on the job every day. Engineers can suffer a variety of injuries while performing their work duties. After all, engineering is a hands-on profession. There are strict safety regulations in place and the union has done additional bargaining to help improve safety, yet accidents still happen. If you are an engineer hurt on the job, special options are available to help you. You might want to file a claim for workers' compensation benefits. International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers is a North American labor union. The organization represents a variety of technical, professional, and administrative support workers throughout the U.S. and Canada. Members work in the public and private sectors. The union's roots can be traced back to the International Federation of Draftsmen's Unions, which was a union for draftsmen and shipyard engineers founded in 1918. In 1919, that organization expanded its jurisdiction and became the International Federation of Technical Engineers, Architects, and Draftsman's Union. Common Workplace Injuries While there are safety guidelines in place for engineers, the union has enacted additional protections and protocol through bargaining. Engineers can suffer serious injuries on the job site. This means they can be hit by falling objects or debris, which can in turn cause back or head injuries or broken bones. Engineers can come into contact with work hazards. They can be electrocuted or shocked or suffer serious burns while inspecting equipment or working on projects. Inspecting projects can also lead to injuries, such as burns, crushed bones, and deep cuts. Machinery can lead to crushed bones and serious lacerations. Some of these injuries can lead to long-term problems or even permanent disabilities. Workers' compensation covers workers regardless of the cause of the injury or who was at fault for the accident. Medical expenses must be covered by workers' compensation and a portion of the lost wages while the worker is recovering is also covered. The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers might have bargained special workers' comp benefits for members, so notify your representative if you are hurt at work. What to Do If You Have Been Hurt On the Job If you are an engineer who has suffered on-the-job injuries, here are some things you should do: • Let your supervisor know about your injury right away regardless of how minor it might seem. • File an accident report with your place of employment as soon as possible. If you have serious injuries call 911. The responding officer will complete an accident report. You need to get a copy of any accident reports that have been filed. • Get immediate medical care for any injuries that you suffer while working. • Contact your International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers representative for details about filing a workers' compensation claim after your accident. Protect Your Legal Rights Work-related injuries are covered by workers' compensation. Those steps above can help you protect your rights. Don't deal with the insurance company until you have talked with a workers' compensation lawyer and your representative for the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers. The insurance company might convince you to sign documents that result in you losing your rights to a claim. 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.
