Winter weather increases risk of Chicago work accidents for professional drivers
Our Chicago workers' compensation attorneys urge employers to use common sense when ordering employees to report to work in extreme weather conditions, particularly when an employee must drive as part of his job.
Professional drivers -- whether truck drivers, pizza delivery drivers or postal employees -- are at particularly high risk of suffering a serious or fatal Chicago work accident while on the road. Such employees have a right to avoid treacherous working conditions and should not be forced onto the roads until conditions dictate that deliveries and other business can be conducted in relative safety.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports transportation accidents were responsible for 1,682 of the nation's 4,340 fatal work accidents in 2009 -- accounting for nearly 4 in every 10 workplace fatalities. Transportation work accidents accounted for 46 of the 158 work-related deaths that occurred in Illinois that year.
Illinois State Police offer the following tips to stay safe on the road this winter:
-Plan both a primary and alternate travel route.
-Let someone know your travel route and planned arrival time.
-Know the forecast and road conditions.
-Try not to travel alone.
-Travel with another vehicle whenever possible.
-Drive defensively, watch for ice on bridges and overpasses.
-Seek refuge if overwhelmed by deteriorating weather.
-Stay with a disabled vehicle. Run engine in short intervals. Keep window cracked to avoid carbon Monoxide build-up.
-Keep vehicle properly serviced.
-Keep an emergency travel kit.
If you are involved in an Illinois work accident, contact the Chicago workers' compensation lawyers at the VanPopering Law Offices for a free appointment to discuss your case. 1-800-767-4878.
