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Warehouse workers at Amazon face similar hazards to workers in any other warehouse. However, according to one study, Amazon workers get injured more than twice as many times as workers in other warehouse jobs. In 2021, there were more than 34,000 serious injuries to employees while on the job at Amazon facilities. Among all warehouse workers in the United States, Amazon employees make up roughly one-third of these workers, but nearly half of all injuries (49%)  happened at Amazon facilities.
Like any personal injury lawsuit, you’ll first need to prove that another person or business entity is responsible for your injuries and was negligent. Where a case becomes more complicated for a self-employed person is in the calculation of lost wages. If you work for someone else, either as an hourly or salaried employee, it is rather straightforward to calculate how many hours or days of work you lost due to your injuries and provide a letter stating what regular compensation and bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation you missed out on. You can also include any sick, vacation, or bonus days you had to use during your hospitalization and recovery. If you are self-employed, the process becomes more complicated.
If you’ve been injured on the job, you’ll need to file a claim first with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. In Illinois, you’re allowed to select your own doctor to treat workers’ comp injuries. This is so that you have a better chance of securing a physician who has your recovery and best interests in mind, rather than one who has a vested interest in the insurance company’s profits.  You will, however, need to secure a doctor who accepts workers’ comp insurance, so make sure you let them know upfront that you were injured on the job, and it will be the company’s insurance policy paying. The doctor will need to know this information ahead of time because the insurer will certainly require the doctor to obtain authorization before performing certain treatments or tests.
If you were injured in a trucking accident in Chicago, Berwyn, Oak Lawn, Cicero, or a nearby community, call the injury attorneys at Lloyd Miller Law for a free consultation.

Call: 773-838-8100

Safety Tips for Outdoor Winter Workers in Illinois

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Worker shovelling snow

Out of the four seasons, winter is particularly hazardous when it comes to workplace injuries – especially when working during or after a snow storm. To keep workers safe during the colder months, the Occupational Health and Safety Organization recommends employees take note of some important safety tips.

Top Wintertime Working Hazards

Cold weather, unfortunately, causes many different hazards including:

  • Icy roads and surfaces, whether a job involves driving or walking outdoors
  • Frostbite on exposed parts of the face or hands
  • Hypothermia due to being inadequately dressed
  • Dehydration from performing vigorous, physically demanding work

Dangers of Heavy Snow

Heavy snowfalls also bring their own set of dangers. Roofs often collapse under the weight of snow, and workers can easily fall when using ladders or lifts to clear snow from roofs – or even if they’re standing on the roof itself. OSHA suggests taking smaller scoops and using proper lifting techniques so you don’t lose your balance. Heavy snow can also snap power lines, and OSHA recommends that workers who come upon downed power lines should assume they’re live.

Even a task as simple as shoveling a walkway can put enough strain on the body to cause a heart attack. And while a snow blower can make the job easier, clearing clogged augers has resulted in lacerated hands and fingers. It’s important to turn off the snow blower or make sure it’s in neutral before clearing out the chute.

Winter Precautions Employers Need to Take

It’s important for employers to do their job to not only avoid unnecessary injuries during the winter months, but costly workers’ compensation claims as well. These include:

  • Clearing driveways, walkways and other ground surfaces near the business
  • Establishing and marking work zones for outdoor workers
  • Providing reflective clothing for workers
  • Keeping ladders in safe working order
  • Requiring use of fall protection equipment, especially when working on roofs
  • Limiting the amount of outdoor working time and offer frequent breaks during periods of extreme cold

Hopefully, employees and employers alike who take extra care will help to reduce the amount of work related injuries sustained during the winter months and year round.

Source: OHS Online

About the Author

Kurt D. Lloyd is a plaintiff’s trial lawyer who focuses on medical malpractice and other catastrophic injury cases. He lives in Chicago and represents injured clients throughout Illinois. He is also the founder of Lloyd Law Group, Ltd.

Chicago accident lawyer Kurt D. Lloyd