Research has found that 35% of injuries that occur in warehouses occur because workers don't understand proper ergonomic practices. However, a company called Soter Analytics has created a product that Illinois warehouse workers can wear to help them learn more about their movements. The product is called SoterSpine, and employees wear it while performing tasks each day. If they are moving in a potentially unsafe manner, the device will beep or vibrate to get their attention.
As worker deaths rise, NSC calls on employers to improve safety
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has released some of its findings on work-related fatalities in Illinois and across the U.S. It appears that there was a 2% increase in such fatalities between 2017 and 2018, with the number going from 5,147 to 5,250. However, the rate of worker fatalities remained at 3.5% per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers in those two years.
Warehouses pose dangers for workers
Anecdotal evidence suggests that more workers than ever are employed in Illinois warehouses as the online shopping segment continues to grow. To fulfill those millions of online orders received each day, warehouse workers must package, select and ship out the products on demand. With just one company, Amazon, controlling more than 150 million square footage of warehouse space around the globe and many more competitors following, warehouses are in many cases replacing brick-and-mortar retail stores. This also means that there are more full-time workers in warehouses and even part-time workers looking for supplemental income around the holidays.
McDonald's workers sue over dangerous conditions
A lawsuit filed in an Illinois circuit court on Nov. 21 by 17 fast food workers accuses McDonald's Corp. and several of its Chicago area franchisees of placing profits over employee safety. The workers say that a $6 billion project to redesign McDonald's restaurants is making already dangerous working conditions even more perilous. The 'Experience the Future" remodeling program is designed to make McDonald's restaurants more attractive and modern, but the workers say that the lower counters now being installed are making it easier for angry patrons to launch violent attacks.
Defining workers' compensation requirements
If one is injured at work in Waukegan, workers’ compensation should help to cover the costs associated with that injury. At least that is the assumption that most have. Yet should workers’ compensation benefits be a hope or an expectation? Many might fear going to their employer after having sustained an injury while on the job and being told that their companies do not offer workers’ compensation benefits (presumably because they are not required to). Knowing, then, exactly who is required to provide workers’ compensation benefits to their employees will go a long way in assuaging these concerns.
Workers' compensation coverage scope
If you have a job in Illinois, you should be aware of your rights as an employee and how you can protect yourself in a variety of situations. One of these situations may involve after you may be involved in a work-related accident. Another situation that may require your action could be if you develop an illness that is somehow connected to the environment in which you work or the nature of the work you are required to perform.
Types of workers' compensation benefits
If you are like most people in Illinois, you do not go to work every day expecting to get hurt. However, a job-related accident and resulting injury can happen at any time, in any type of industry or job. When these events do occur, it is important that you know what type of benefits may be available to you and your family.
