Among the many Illinois laws regulating workers’ compensation is a law restricting employers from retaliating against injured workers. An employer cannot demote or terminate an employee simply because they file for or receive workers’ compensation....
Safety
Devastating Semi Accident Inspires Cell Phone Ban Proposal
In one second, eleven lives were lost. That’s how long records show a call made by driver Kenneth Laymon lasted before he crashed his semi-truck into a van carrying a group of twelve Mennonite family and friends to a wedding in Iowa. The accident, which occurred...
Disney One of Many Parks Cited For Safety Violations
Like other theme parks, the “happiest place on earth” occasionally becomes a not-so-happy place for its employees. Recently, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Walt Disney World for safety violations as a result of a fatal...
Born Through Tragedy: The Cherry Mine Disaster and Workers’ Compensation
In the early part of the 20th century, the second industrial revolution in the United States was in full swing. Between 1870 and 1915, the U.S. economy and population experienced one of its greatest periods of growth and change, with industries like railroads, oil,...
Concussion Legislation Could Save Lives
Recent high-profile reports on the danger of concussions have lead many lawmakers nationwide to enact safety standards for youth sports. Sadly, these standards come too late for athletes like high school football players Jacob Snakenberg and Matthew Gfeller who each...
Outdoor Worker Safety: The Heat Is On
There’s an old saying that goes, “If you don’t like the weather, wait around a few minutes.” And lately this seems even truer, with 2011 bringing everything from stronger-than-normal weather events to the downright strange. This summer in the...
Recent Disasters Offer Reminder to Plan Ahead
Many on the East Coast of the United States were recently reminded how unprepared they were for Mother Nature’s whims. An unprecedented earthquake that rattled buildings and people from the Deep South to Canada was swiftly followed by Hurricane Irene which swept...
What Happened in Vegas? Legionnaires’ Disease.
Anyone who vacations in Las Vegas knows something about taking chances. One of the biggest appeals of visiting Vegas is the potential for anything to happen. But, while everyone hopes lady luck smiles on them, realistically the most you’ll probably return home...
Illinois Injured Workers Rights Under Attack
Unfortunately for Illinois workers, state legislation recently signed into law by Governor Pat Quinn seriously reduces their rights and protections when injured on the job. House Bill 1698 was introduced under the guise of reforming the workers compensation system in...
Thousands of Children Injured Yearly From Window Falls
Having children brings with it a host of hopes and fears. Every hopeful parent wishes for a happy and healthy child, and dreams of all the joys a new baby will bring. But with this anticipation also comes concerns about childhood dangers. Particularly once children...