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The Surprising Truth About Illinois Construction Accidents
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Most people are aware that construction work has inherent dangers, with workers often performing their jobs at treacherous heights and around heavy machinery and power lines. However, what many people do not realize is that many Illinois construction accidents are the result of employers failing to adhere to workplace safety regulations. While some may assume that we just have to accept a high rate of construction accidents, in fact most construction work injuries and deaths are preventable.
Over 100,000 workplace accidents occur in Illinois each year. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Illinois reported 112,500 non-fatal private sector injuries and illnesses in 2022. Of these, 73,500 caused employees to miss work or require a job transfer or restriction. Such serious injury cases are referred to as DART cases. Seventy percent of reported incidents in Illinois are DART cases, which is slightly above the national average of 67 percent.
The construction and transportation industries typically have the highest numbers of workplace injuries resulting in death. In 2022, 37.7 percent of workplace deaths occurred due to transportation incidents. Other leading causes were slip and fall accidents, being struck by objects or equipment, and toxic chemical exposure.
The high rate of injuries and deaths in Illinois’ construction industry is caused in part by employers’ failure to follow safety regulations. As just one example, in 2015, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) levied fines of nearly $2 million against two Illinois construction companies and a manager for willfully exposing workers to asbestos. The workers, hired to remove asbestos-containing floor tiles, insulation and other materials from a school under renovation, were not told that they were being exposed to asbestos, and were not provided with proper protective equipment. In addition, according to OSHA, the workers were told they would be fired if they spoke to investigators.
Construction work has inherent dangers, but that is all the more reason why employers should be held to high safety standards. Workers who are injured or become ill at work deserve compensation. Workers who have suffered a work injury should be sure to consult with an Illinois workers’ compensation attorney to learn more about their rights.
Other Workers’ Compensation Information
- Can I Pursue a Workers’ Compensation Claim Against my Employer?
- Distracted Driving Must Be Considered a Workplace Concern
- Six Things You Should Know About Workers’ Compensation in Illinois
- The Surprising Truth About Illinois Construction Accidents
- What are the Important First Steps After a Workplace Injury or Illness?
- What Types of Injuries are Covered by Workers’ Compensation?
- What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Can I Receive?
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