If you are hurt or made ill on the job, navigating the workers’ compensation system in your state can be confusing and difficult. Now a newly launched website, Workers’ Comp Hub (www.WorkersCompHub.org), gives you a road map.

According to Workers Comp Hub, millions of workers across the country face the unjust denial of their claims or unconscionable delays in accessing medical care or wage replacement, with devastating effects on health, well-being and financial security. Even when workers obtain benefits, these are often inadequate to meet basic needs. Many workers also have to deal with retaliation from their employers for reporting their injuries and illnesses.

The new website, a joint effort of the National Economic and Social Rights Initiative (NESRI) and the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (National COSH), provides:

• Basic information for injured/ill workers in all 50 states that might help them navigate the complex comp system.
• Resources and advocacy tools that review the problems of the workers’ comp system, propose progressive reforms and present pathways for pro-worker advocacy and action.
• A platform for sharing pro-worker ideas on possible solutions and strategies and promoting actions and events.

In addition, it will post regular news updates along with guest blog features every month by injured and ill workers, policymakers, practitioners, labor leaders, academics and others to share strategies and solutions that better meet the needs of injured and ill workers. This month, Allen Ray Bernard (injured worker activist), María E. Gutiérrez (Interfaith Worker Justice) and Jim Ellenberger (retired AFL-CIO health and safety expert) share their insights.