Kane County Reporter

Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) has appointed State Representatives Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) and Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) to serve on the Warehouse Safety Standards Task Force. The task force was formed in response to the tragic collapse of an Amazon warehouse during a tornado in late 2021, with the aim of improving safety measures and access to emergency resources.

Representative Keicher, who brings over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, expressed gratitude for the appointment, stating, "I want to thank Leader McCombie for this appointment. As our economy has shifted to increased reliance on warehouse facilities, it is imperative that we ensure the safety of workers in these facilities. I look forward to utilizing my experience in the insurance industry to contribute to the task force's efforts in improving safety standards."

The collapse of the Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville, Illinois, despite meeting all applicable codes and having 11-inch-thick concrete walls, resulted in the loss of six lives and several injuries. This devastating incident highlighted the need to reevaluate warehouse safety standards, construction practices, and emergency policies in the face of natural disasters.

Attorney and Representative Ugaste, who has specialized in workers' compensation and business insurance litigation for over 35 years, expressed his honor in being appointed to the task force. He emphasized the importance of warehouse worker safety, particularly in light of the severe weather events that often occur in Illinois. Ugaste stated, "We must do everything we can to put the proper safeguards in place to prevent injuries or tragic loss of life."

The Warehouse Safety Standards Task Force is composed of sixteen members, with half of the members coming from the General Assembly and the other half representing workers and businesses. The task force is chaired by the Director of the Illinois Department of Labor. All members serve without compensation and are tasked with delivering a report of policy recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly by January 1, 2025.

For more information about the Warehouse Safety Standards Task Force, please visit [insert link].