Construction safety proposal harmful

Leave it to lawmakers in Springfield to create a problem where one does not exist.

Instead of focusing on the state's budget crisis and other pressing matters, some lawmakers are pushing a dangerous and unnecessary measure to reinstate the Structural Work Act - a law so harmful to the state economy, it was repealed in 1995.

Since the Structural Work Act was repealed, Illinois has added more than 60,000 construction jobs and in spite of the increase in jobs, construction sites have actually become safer.

Reinstating the Structural Work Act would allow injured workers to sue third parties outside the worker's compensation system.

If this arcane law makes a return, virtually every single employer in Illinois could be subjected to new litigation.

The added costs would inevitably be passed onto consumers. Consumers are already being crunched with higher fuel costs and higher grocery bills. It makes no sense to burden consumers even more at this time.

What is the urgency to reinstate the Structural Work Act, a law only the state of New York still has on the books? Could it be that this is more about lawyers than about worker safety?

While this legislation would most certainly benefit lawyers, it would devastate the state's economy.

I urge Illinois residents to contact their lawmakers and ask them to oppose HB 2094. Our economy simply cannot afford more unnecessary lawsuits.

Rob Winchester

President and CEO

Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. - Illinois

Elk Grove Village