Most employers, especially big ones, have workers’ compensation insurance coverage for their employees in the event of an unexpected accident which results in an injury. Even plumbers and pipefitters who are members of the UA who might be used to better standards of workplace safety can never guarantee never being injured. In fact, some trades are inherently more injury prone than others. Your union representative can help explain how to make a workers’ compensation claim and take advantage of its potential benefits. The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry (UA) The UA is one of the largest and well organized associations in North America. It has over a third of a million members who work in a number of skilled occupations. These include pipefitters, plumbers, welders, service technicians and sprinkler fitters. Members of the association and associated unions pay monthly dues and obtain benefits from membership including negotiating contracts between members and their employers. Other benefits include life insurance, and help towards disability, medical and dental benefits and pensions. The UA is also involved in providing training courses aimed at apprentices and improving safety conditions at work for its associate members. Workplace Injuries Suffered by UA Members Typical workplace injuries depend on the exact occupation, but generally most UA members are likely to be in relatively risk prone jobs despite the safety provisions afforded by their union membership. All UA members are exposed to potentially dangerous slip and fall type injuries. These accidents may cause more serious injuries if sharp or hard equipment is impacted. Welders may fall against very hot metal surfaces or even their own welding equipment and may suffer burns or electrical injuries, depending on the type of welder. Workers employed on construction sites are often the most exposed to a variety of hazardous conditions including falls from scaffolding, heavy objects falling on them and crushing by moving machinery. Pipefitters may find that metal they are working with suddenly snaps and rebounds into their face with lacerations and potential eye injuries. The Workers’ Comp. Claim Process Workers comp. may be available if you are injured at work, regardless of who was at fault, but there is still a somewhat lengthy and rigorous process to follow and payments are ever guaranteed. Here are the main steps involved after an injury if you are in a typical UA member occupation. Let your immediate supervisor know about the injury and how it happened. You may have to rely on a work colleague or your UA representative to pass on the information if you are seriously injured. Get medical attention, whatever the nature of the injury. Keep a track of all medical reports and bills. You will need them later when you make a claim. You will have a time limit in which to file an accident report at your workplace. You may need help to do this if you are hospitalized. The time limit depends on the state in which you are working. Get some advice from your UA representative about the workers’ compensation claim process. Contact a workers’ comp. attorney if needed. Be Aware of Your Legal Rights Even if your occupation is covered by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance, payments are never guaranteed. If you encounter a problem of a legal nature, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced workers’ comp. attorney for assistance. Additional Resources Plumbers and Workers' Compensation I Got Hurt Laying Pipe. What Do I Do? *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.
