Posted on June 13, 2018 in Firm News

Anytime you take to the Illinois roadway, you assume a certain amount of risk, but statistics show that those risks grow considerably during what is known as the “100 deadliest days.” The term, per the AAA NewsRoom, refers to the period of time between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when teen drivers are out of school and out on the roads. This marks a highly dangerous time not only for teens, but for all motorists.

Just what is it about this time period that makes it so deadly?

Factors contributing to summer’s 100 deadliest days

Teen drivers, through little fault of their own, are inexperienced motorists, meaning they are ill-prepared when it comes to knowing how to react to unexpected circumstances or otherwise avoid potential accidents. Teens are also often more likely than older motorists to engage in certain dangerous driving behaviors, such as speeding and running red lights. Teens also face dangers relating to distracted driving, and they frequently find themselves losing focus because of other passengers, cellphones and in-dash navigation systems, among other distractions.

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 Posted on May 16, 2018 in Firm News

A restaurant or food service environment is an inherently dangerous place, and your risk of suffering a serious on-the-job injury increases if your place of employment fails to train you properly or follow recommended safety protocols. Many restaurant and food service environments present similar risks for workers, meaning the hazards faced by employees of, say, fast food establishments are often quite similar to those faced by workers in high-end dining atmospheres.

Just what types of specific injury risks and hazards do you face as a restaurant or food service worker?

Repetitive motion injuries

Repetitive motion injuries are some of the most common types of injuries suffered by today’s restaurant and hospitality workers. The nature of your job likely means that you likely regularly carry, lift or move heavy loads, which might include carrying trays, moving furniture or unloading heavy food and kitchen deliveries. Repeating such actions can lead to sprains, strains and associated problems, and such injuries may become increasingly common for employees who tend to favor one side of their body over the other when working.

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 Posted on April 30, 2018 in Blog

When you think of a season that has hazardous driving conditions, you may think of winter. Out of all the seasons, summer seems like it would be a serene time to drive. However, the sunny season has its fair share of hazards. In fact, July and August have the most deadly crashes.

As the weather gets warmer, there are plenty of summertime risks that require you to be aware. From vacationers to construction, here are some reasons why summer driving can be dangerous.

1. More people on the road

Warm weather conditions and clear skies bring people out from everywhere. You will encounter more people on vacations who are not familiar with the area. Traveling motorists are more likely to be unpredictable, erratic and impatient. Summer is also a popular time for people to bring out their motorcycles and bicycles. All of these things result in more traffic and congestion, making it important to share the road and be alert.

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 Posted on March 26, 2018 in Blog

If you are a construction worker in the Springfield area, it is important for you to understand the dangers you face on the job. Acute injuries are not the only type that happens at construction sites. The risk of developing chronic and life-threatening ailments, such as pleural effusions, mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and pleural plaques from asbestos exposure is higher for workers in the construction industry than other work sectors. 

Employers must inform their workers when there is a risk of exposure to asbestos and other toxic and hazardous chemicals and substances. They must also take measures such as implementing safety policies, practices and safety areas to minimize the risk and duration of exposure. 

The dangers of exposure 

Health complications stemming from asbestos exposure often take years to develop. Many workers are unaware they have a high risk of developing mesothelioma, which is an incurable form of cancer. The dangers of asbestos are well-documented and have led to a ban, restricting its use. Despite those measures, construction workers are still likely to encounter asbestos-containing materials when they are on the job. Consider the following information about asbestos exposure to better understand how it can change your life. 

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 Posted on March 12, 2018 in Truck Accidents

However, if a semi truck jackknifes on the road next to or in front of you, it can be impossible to ignore. It may be helpful to understand why trucks jackknife in the first place so that you can spot potentially dangerous situations and react accordingly.

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 Posted on January 29, 2018 in Blog

Riding a motorcycle is always fun–except when snow and ice get in your way. When mother nature ruins your enjoyable rides, you may feel like it is too dangerous or uncomfortable to get on your motorcycle. Fortunately, you can still ride your motorcycle safely during the winter.

You do not need to keep your motorcycle in the garage all winter, but you do need to exercise extra caution. Read on for essential winter motorcycling tips to ensure you make it to spring shiny side up.

1. Check your tires

One crucial step to avoiding a motorcycle crash in the winter is assessing your tires. Make sure your tires have enough tread. According to Forbes motorcycle tips, you should remember that cold weather means you will have less traction, simply because of the temperature. You should also check your tire pressure more often with a gauge. You may need to drop your tire pressure if the degrees keep getting lower.

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 Posted on January 29, 2018 in Blog

A workplace injury may happen at any job. You do not need to have a physically demanding occupation to suffer an injury at work. No matter how conscientious and attentive you are about being safe and healthy at work, it is possible for you to sustain an injury. 

An accident may occur at work when you least expect it. But what are the most common causes of injuries at the workplace? Here are a few causes that could put you at risk.

1. Overexertion

According to Insurance Journal, overexertion is the leading cause of workplace injuries. Strenuous tasks that cause overexertion injuries include the following:

• Lifting
• Carrying
• Pulling
• Pushing
• Throwing

These injuries are more likely to happen if you do not get an adequate break from demanding work or if you do not get assistance with heavy objects. 

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 Posted on December 06, 2017 in Blog

When winter hits Illinois, it hits hard. Driving in the snow can be treacherous, especially when you cannot see well and the roads are icy. Inclement weather conditions such as rain, sleet and snow are common contributors to auto collisions. But did you know winter car accidents are deadlier than hurricanes, tornadoes and floods?

That is right. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, weather-related car accidents cause more fatalities than those natural disasters. These accidents kill approximately 5,900 people a year. So why are these crashes so deadly? Here are some of the most common ways that winter weather can contribute to serious car accidents. 

1. Poor visibility

Heavy snowfall, blinding rain and dense fog can significantly reduce your ability to see what is in front of you. Bursts of snow and rain can negatively impact your ability to see within seconds. If other drivers fail to adjust to these conditions and speed or follow too closely, they can easily cause an accident. 

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 Posted on November 10, 2017 in Blog

With the holidays coming up, it is time to start shopping. Whether you do it early, take part in the Black Friday madness or do it last minute, it can be a stressful experience. All the crowds and stores packed full of merchandise can not only stress you out, they can also result in injuries. This is often due to the fact that management and employees are so busy that they sometimes do not inspect the stores as diligently or clean up hazards.

The last thing you want to be dealing with this holiday season is recovering from an injury; you deserve to enjoy this season with family and friends. So what are the most common holiday shopping injuries you should avoid? 

1. Slip, trip and fall

Retail stores can have slippery or obstructed floors for a variety of reasons, including:

• Floor polish or wax
• A freshly mopped floor
• Poor lighting
• Fallen merchandise

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 Posted on October 11, 2017 in Blog

Although Illinois fall weather may not reflect what most people consider to be autumn, the temperatures will soon drop here as well. Either way, autumn comes with its own road hazards you should know about to prevent an auto accident.

While some of these are applicable to any driver in the nation, some are particular to the Midwest. Beware these dangers to have a safe trip.

1. Rainy weather

Wet roads mean less traction for your tires and slick areas that make it easy to lose control of your vehicle. Slow down to ensure you have enough time to stop and make last-minute maneuvers to avoid an accident. Check if your tires have enough tread or if you need to replace them.

2. Light and darkness

The glare of the sun grows stronger this time of year. Keep sunglasses in your vehicle and keep your windshield clean. Be careful when driving at night, which also comes earlier with the season and daylight savings. Most accidents occur during dark hours, so stay alert and use your lights.

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