Spring has a dual personality. As winter fades, the sun is shining more, the breezes are warmer, and April showers really do bring May flowers. But those same showers also reflect the darker side to spring – harsh and violent storms. Not only do rain and...
Chicago
Understanding Safety Hazards for Food Service Workers
At one time in our working career, many of us have worked in the food service industry. It’s practically a rite of passage as a teenager’s first job, pays tuition for numerous college students, and serves as a full-time career for many adults. In fact,...
Surprising Chicago Symphony Assault Reminds of Common Risks
Depending on who you are, a visit to the symphony can be described in many ways. “Inspiring,” if you are a classical-music lover; “boring,” if you are not. Most, however, would agree a night at the symphony is a sophisticated event, with an...
The Hawks Nest Tunnel Silicosis Disaster: Exposing Occupational Diseases
One thing is certain when an economic crisis hits – jobs become scarce and people become desperate for work. This was especially true during the Great Depression, when unemployment in the United States averaged 25%. As the need for jobs increased, not only were...
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Carpal Tunnels Ankle Sibling
Most workers today have heard of the condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome. While a few decades ago the injury was not well known or understood, now even those outside the medical community are aware it is a common and damaging workplace injury. However, many are...
Taxes and Your Workers Compensation Benefits
From January to April, most in the United States are witness to three seasons: winter, spring and tax season. Whether April still has you shoveling snow or mowing your lawn for the first time, in all parts of the country people will be shifting through receipts and...
Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome, an injury which affects the wrist and hands, continues to be one of the most commonly reported work-related injuries. The carpal tunnel is a narrow area of the wrist through which the median nerve and tendons pass from the arm into the hand....
Bankruptcy and the Injured Illinois Worker
As the economy continues a frustratingly slow recovery from the “Great Recession,” many businesses and individuals alike still struggle to keep themselves financially afloat. Its toll is reflected in the continued high-rate of unemployment and ongoing...
Understanding Workers Compensation Death Benefits
Many of us are aware of the hazards in our workplace. Even for those who work in relatively low-risk environments, we all know injuries can and do happen. This is why workers’ compensation exists, to help workers who are injured while on the job. While most of...
Winter Weather Brings Risks for Workers
After 2011’s record-breaking number of extreme weather events, many are hoping for the best but preparing for the worst this winter. However, many areas are just entering the hardest part of winter. For instance, Illinois state climatologists estimate that the...