Category: Workers’ Compensation

Several organizations have identified American workers' preference to work a job with some telework, but this arrangement can lead to complications. Employers benefit from such arrangements by having to pay less overhead to support the practice and having improved employee morale. Employees value the flexibility and added time by not having to commute to work. According to Global Workplace Analytics, approximately 25 percent of the workforce teleworks at some frequency but many more would like similar arrangements. When workers are injured while not at the actual job site, they may be confused about their rights and whether such an injury is covered.

Each year more than 2.3 million American workers, primarily in construction and the manufacturing of masonry products, are exposed to dangerous levels of silica. To address this problem, OSHA updated its rules on silica for the first time since 1971.

Immigration reform is one of the hottest topics around the country. Amid concerns from employers, unions, and the employees themselves, many proposals are being floated that could potentially strip rights and benefits away from the 25.7 million foreign-born laborers the Department of Labor estimates are working within the United States. This figure represents roughly 16.5% of the total labor force and many of these laborers work in service and manufacturing sectors of the economy. As such, they are exposed to a greater degree of occupational risk than the rest of the workforce.

Chicago workers compensation lawyer Donald W. Fohrman says the recent budget discussions have been targeting workers compensation laws in ways that could reduce benefits for injured workers. He believes injured workers deserve fair compensation for their injuries, and is concerned that the budget fight in Illinois will result in further erosion of worker protections and rights.

Where a person works, and what job they perform can have a significant impact on an individual's risk of injury. Some professions carry inherent dangers that can be mitigated, but not entirely avoided. In 2014, the Bureau of Labor Statistics records show that 4,679 workers lost their lives while performing their jobs. Nearly half, or 1,891, were because of transportation-related accidents.