The Changing Landscape of Workplace Safety Rules in Chicago

The new administration has vowed to reduce regulation in an effort to boost business activity, but these changes could also affect workplace safety standards. According to Fox 32 Chicago, these changes could eliminate more than 60 workplace rules – rules intended to protect average workers. However, the Illinois government has signaled that it may strengthen its own state safety laws in response – leading to a somewhat uncertain future for workers. If you have already suffered some kind of workplace injury, you might want to consider a consultation with a workers’ compensation lawyer in Chicago.

Department of Labor Suggests Getting Rid of Safety and Wage Regulations 

In July of 2025, multiple sources reported that the United States Department of Labor had unveiled a plan to remove various safety and wage regulations. If this plan moves ahead, more than 60 regulations and laws could disappear. The regulations in question apply to various industries, including construction and mining. As a result, those who work in certain industries may be less affected by these potential changes than others.

Representatives of the Department of Labor call these laws unnecessary, claiming that they serve no purpose other than to hinder economic growth in the United States. However, not everyone is convinced. Some are particularly concerned about the loss of minimum wage in certain fields, including home health care.

In terms of safety regulations, the cuts include fewer seatbelt laws, fewer lighting requirements for construction sites, and fewer requirements to upgrade ventilation in mines.

The cuts are not yet guaranteed. First, each proposed change must pass through a process of public oversight and review. Some groups are already taking steps to challenge the cuts, although the federal government has considerable authority in these matters.

Illinois Signals Willingness to Boost Safety Regulations in Response 

The Illinois government has already responded to these suggested changes, implying that it might be willing to increase state regulations to compensate for the loss of federal protections. A new bill has been drafted by lawmakers, and it could automatically restore any safety rules repealed by the federal government. Advocates have vowed to keep the protections that workers have fought for over many decades in Illinois. However, there is no guarantee that the bill will pass into law.

Can a Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Me? 

While the erosion of workplace safety laws in the United States could be alarming to many Chicago employees, it is important to remember that the workers’ compensation system in Chicago is still alive and well. This is a “no-fault system,” which means you can file a claim regardless of workplace safety violations. Even if your employer violated a past safety law that no longer exists, you should still be able to get coverage for your medical bills and lost income. To learn more, contact Connolly Injury Law today.

Sources:

 fox32chicago.com/news/trump-labor-deregulation-rules

wandtv.com/news/statehouse/illinois-could-strengthen-workplace-safety-standards-if-federal-laws-are-weakened/article_a8b4cb6f-6486-40c8-9206-c4c4e77724eb.html