Day Laborers Face Greater Workplace Accident Risks in Illinois and Indiana

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Day laborers in Illinois and Indiana are at a greater risk of being seriously or fatally injured on the job compared to permanent employees, due to factors like lack of training, personal protective equipment, and supervision. These temporary workers are often hired informally to perform manual labor tasks in high-risk industries like construction, warehousing, landscaping, and manufacturing. Experts warn that the combination of workplace hazards and legal hurdles in obtaining workers' compensation or damages leaves day laborers vulnerable.

Why it matters

Day laborers play a vital role in supporting many industries across Illinois and Indiana, but their temporary employment status puts them at heightened risk of workplace accidents. Addressing the safety and legal challenges facing this vulnerable workforce is crucial for protecting public safety and ensuring fair treatment of all workers.

The details

Day laborers in the region are often hired through staffing agencies, online platforms, or directly by employers to perform tasks like construction, warehouse work, landscaping, and manufacturing. However, these temporary workers frequently lack the same level of training, personal protective equipment, and on-site supervision as permanent employees. This increases the chances of serious or fatal accidents, especially in high-risk industries. Experts note that language barriers, fear of job loss, and legal complexities also make it difficult for day laborers to obtain proper workers' compensation benefits or pursue civil damages after an accident.

• In 2024, a Reddit discussion highlighted the prevalence of day laborers seeking work outside a Home Depot in the Chicago area.
• A 2025 study found that work-related injuries and healthcare access are major issues for day laborers.
• Another study published in 2023 examined occupational fatalities among grounds maintenance workers in the U.S. from 2016-2020.

What’s next

The article notes that an upcoming piece will discuss the legal battles day laborers often face in obtaining workers' compensation and pursuing civil damages after workplace accidents.