An employee turns off the power to a piece of equipment and sticks their arm into the machine to clear out a jam. A co-worker, unaware the power is off , turns on the equipment, injuring the employee. We've all heard horror stories like this, but with thorough lockout/tagout procedures in place, you can reduce the chance of accidents like this happening in your workplace.
Read MoreWorkplace injuries are not always simply the result of one-time accidents. Falling off a ladder, slipping on a wet floor, getting hit on the head by an object falling off a shelf, or slicing a hand on a sharp tool are common ways workers injure themselves while performing their daily job duties. However, long-term injuries that develop caused by repetitive, daily work activities are also common workers’ compensation claims.
Read MoreThroughout the summer months, outdoor workers and workers in non-air-conditioned spaces in a variety of industries are often exposed to extreme heat and/or humidity that can easily lead to heat stress and exhaustion, heat stroke and even death. Thousands of workers nationwide can suffer heat-related illnesses every year; however the good news is that these conditions can be avoided when the proper preventative steps are taken.
Read MoreWorkplace injuries that go unreported can keep employees on the sidelines — uncertain about treatment and unclear on what to expect under their state’s WC system. When workplace incidents do happen, prompt claim reporting is a key factor to ensuring injured employees receive the necessary care to feel supported in a successful return — and minimizing business impact.
Read MoreIn 1996, the National Safety Council designated June as National Safety Month. The goal was to increase awareness of the leading safety and health risks facing employees and decrease the risk for workplace injuries and deaths in the U.S.
Read MoreThe Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that “workplace injuries and illnesses have a major impact on an employer's bottom line. It’s estimated that employers pay almost $1 billion per week for direct workers' compensation costs alone.” While the good news is that there has been a reduction in the number of workplace accidents overall, the cost of workers’ compensation claims is remains high.
Read MoreNo business is too small to be sued, burglarized or damaged by a fire. And no business owner wants an unexpected event to wipe out their hard work or investments. Thankfully, small business insurance can help protect your company and safeguard your income.
Read MoreWinter is a busy time of year for all. Injuries from slips and falls peak during winter months, putting your employees out of commission right when you need them most. If you have retail locations, slippery conditions from winter weather can put your customers at risk too.
Read MoreIt’s that time of year - Chicago area businesses will be adding college interns to their summer workforce. Whether they are paid interns or not - the question is “Are interns covered on workers compensation in Illinois?”
Read MoreAre your employees lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying objects more than they need to? According to the National Safety Council, overexertion from manual material handling activities like these is the third leading cause of workplace injuries in the United States, costing employers $13.4 billion a year.
Read MoreOne of the most common causes of injury in body shops and garages is the improper use of hand and power tools. Broken or worn equipment, as well as employees untrained in proper equipment use, can result in severe injuries that may cause you to miss several days (or even weeks) of work. Follow these tips to stay safe with hand and power tools in the workplace.
Read MoreRighter’s Senate Bill 846 would require an employer’s workers’ compensation insurance to pay a claim only if the employee’s injury was caused primarily by a workplace accident.
Read MoreI have had many inquiries into the 2015 Illinois Workers Compensation Rates. If anyone has interest send me an email with the Workers Compensation Class Code in question and I will forward the detail. If you don't know your class code, let me know the type of business you are in and I'd be happy to help.
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