Structural collapses are caused by many different factors, including but not limited to poor structural integrity, design flaws, overloading, improper safety, and negligent maintenance. Structural collapse refers to a building prematurely collapsing, for example, when workers are still inside preparing the building for demolition. Structural Collapse During Construction or Demolition Structural collapse typically occurs in either of two phases: construction or demolition of a building. Structural collapse during demolition is one of the leading causes of construction workers’ serious injuries and fatalities. Collapses during demolition work often occur because the contractor does not follow the principles of how to demolish […]
Employers are required to provide workers’ compensation to their Illinois-localized employees. Employers are required to provide workers’ compensation coverage the instant they hire a single employee. Employers are subject to significant fines if they fail to provide insurance. Furthermore, corporate officers can be held personally liable if the corporate entity fails to pay the penalty. Illinois Workers’ Compensation: Covered Workers Workers’ compensation must cover any worker who is Illinois localized. Illinois workers’ compensation laws provide coverage to the following workers: Employees work principally in Illinois; Employee whose work contract was made in Illinois; and Employees who are injured in Illinois […]
Approximately 4,300 accidents occur, over 1,000 injuries are incurred, and 12,000 people are involved in construction work zones every year in Illinois. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, these injuries are most likely to occur on Wednesdays, between 12 and 4:00 p.m. These staggering numbers result in a high number of road worker and motorist fatalities. For example, 55 percent of annual road worker fatalities are caused by being struck by a vehicle. Digging into the Numbers These staggering figures hide an unexpected figure that there are approximately ten motorist fatalities for every one road worker. The reason […]
Distracted driving and failing to yield are causing a surge in preventable roadside injuries and fatalities for first responders, department of transportation workers, and others who find themselves working on the side of the road. Illinois is taking proactive steps to protect roadside workers. The Move Over Task Force, which is composed of representatives from state agencies, the legislature, and the governor’s office, is looking for solutions to keep roadside workers safe. However, roadside dangers are still present and workers who operate in these environments must remain vigilant to protect themselves and their colleagues. Roadside Dangers The primary dangers to […]
Commercial, long-haul truckers experience a raft of work-related injuries which impact their ability to work and earn a living. When strains and sprains, soft tissue injuries, fractures, chronic pain, or traumatic brain injuries keep truckers off the road, they can recover compensation to pay for their medical bills and lost wages. Common Injuries and Effects on Truckers According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), commercial long-haul truckers experience high rates of injuries on the job. Up to 68 percent of truckers do not report their injuries to their […]
Falls are the most common office-related accidents that cause serious injuries, but ergonomically incorrect workstations, improper lifting techniques, and workplace violence are some of the top hazards office workers face. Falls The CDC reports that office workers are 2.5 times more likely to suffer injuries from a fall than non-office workers. Falls in offices are generally caused by tripping over desk drawers that are left open, loose carpets, wires, or objects in hallways. Falls also happen when workers use chairs or other furniture in lieu of ladders, slip on wet floors, or use walkways and stairwells that are poorly lit. […]
Police officers are entitled to workers’ compensation coverage for injuries and illnesses that are related to the performance of their jobs. In general, police officers and firefighters are entitled to the same coverage as other workers under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. However, some police officers and firefighters are excluded from covereage under the act. Chicago police have a parallel disability benefits system for workplace injuries instead. Workers’ Compensation Workers’ compensation is an insurance program that pays for medical costs and wage replacement for workers who are injured. If the worker is permanently incapable of returning to work due to […]
Relying on PEL’s can cause serious injuries or death to workers. Permissible exposure limits (i.e. PELs) refers to the amount of exposure workers can endure before they suffer adverse health consequences. There are PELs for a variety of compound, chemicals, substances, and radiations. According to the government, workers can be exposed to acceptable amounts of these substances and they won’t suffer adverse health consequences. However, this position is controversial within many industries. Background on PELs PELs were first established in 1971 by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”), the year of OSHA’s founding. The original PELs were criticized because […]
A team approach to safety that provides adequate personnel, resources, and employee training has been shown to reduce or eliminate work-related injuries and deaths. Without a team-oriented safety awareness program, employers may be liable for workplace injuries suffered by employees. The Team Approach Increases Safety Employee involvement in safety training and awareness is an essential component of a workplace safety plan. Equally important is the safety team that leads and oversees the safety program. This team approach provides safety leadership and increases employee awareness and compliance with safety standards. Safety Team Leadership Engagement in the safety process by workers across all levels of an organization is essential to reducing […]
Young workers who take foolish risks at work and new workers who lack experience increase the likelihood of workplace injuries to themselves and others. A young worker refers to anyone under the age of 25. A new worker is a person of any age who has little experience working at their current job. What makes young and new workers risky? It is understandable that anyone lacking on-the-job experience is going to be less adept at a job than workers who have spent many hours in the workplace. Just being unfamiliar with the work environment puts new workers and visitors to […]
