Category: Workers’ Compensation

Four common types of hazards largely contribute to the occurrence of workplace struck-by accidents. Cited as one of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s fatal four for construction workers, struck-by accidents accounted for 112 work-related deaths in 2018, and many more suffered serious injuries as a result of such on-the-job incidents. What are Struck-By Hazards?… Continue reading 4 Common Struck-By Hazards in the Workplace

Violating the safety standards of the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration may create hazards that cause serious injuries for workers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employees suffered 2.8 million injuries on the job in 2018, and injured workers often require medical treatment and recovery time. Unfortunately, injured workers’ employers might have… Continue reading When OSHA Violations Lead to Injured Workers

The top-cited Occupational Safety and Health Administration violations create hazards, which frequently lead to worker injuries. OSHA has implemented working condition standards for employers across all industries to reduce the occurrence of occupational injuries and deaths. However, some employers fail to comply with these standards, putting their employees at risk. Most Cited Workplace Safety Failures… Continue reading Top OSHA Violations that Cause Injuries

Hard hats provide a reliable defense against traumatic brain injuries, but new technology may provide even greater protection. Advances in hard hat and helmet technology could reduce the rates of TBI across a wide range of industries. That is why miners, construction workers, and others who depend on helmets to protect their lives are closely watching new… Continue reading Ditch Your Hard Hat: A New Generation of Head Protection Is On the Way

Breweries pose considerable injury risks for workers. Brewery owners are required to adhere to strict safety standards to prevent workers from suffering injuries. When they fail in their responsibility, they can be liable for the medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages their negligence causes. A Recipe for Disaster The number of craft breweries has exploded… Continue reading Sobering Facts About Craft Brewery Hazards

Accurate average weekly wage calculations are vital when filing a workers’ compensation claim because nearly every component of an injured worker’s financial recovery is based on his or her AWW. In Illinois, there are four methods workers can use to calculate their average weekly wage. The correct method to choose depends on when employment began,… Continue reading How to Calculate Your Average Weekly Wage for Workers’ Comp

Changes to the exclusive remedy provision in Illinois give workers greater freedom when filing claims against employers for latent injuries. Exposure to toxic substances can cause latent injuries that may not appear for decades after exposure. Under previous rules, workers had to file injury claims within 25 years post-exposure, and they were restricted to recovering… Continue reading Changes to Exclusive Remedy Provision in Illinois Effective Now

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has initiated plans to hire outside firms to oversee the operations of the city’s workers’ compensation program. At $100 million per year, Chicago’s workers’ compensation program is supposed to provide a safety net for injured workers. However, handing control over the program to a private firm could put the health and… Continue reading Why Is Chicago Handing Over Control of the Workers’ Comp Program?

Prolonged or repeated exposure to portland cement through direct contact or inhalation can cause serious injuries to construction workers, limiting their ability to perform work-related tasks. In severe cases, exposure can be deadly. The risks highlight the importance of proper training and the use of effective protective gear for everyone who works with portland cement.… Continue reading Understanding the Dangers of Working with Portland Cement

Hazardous noise levels and ototoxic chemicals at work can cause hearing loss. Employers in Illinois are requires to protect workers from loud noise or chemical exposures that cause hearing loss, but injuries still occur. Nationwide, approximately 22 million workers are exposed to dangerous noise levels on the job. Similarly, 30 million are exposed to ototoxic… Continue reading What’s Causing Your Hearing Loss and What Can Be Done to Minimize the Damage?