The Nation - News from Feb. 3, 1989

The Illinois Supreme Court cleared the way for criminal prosecution of five factory officials whose employees contend they were injured by unsafe working conditions. Without dissent, the state’s highest court ruled that the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act does not preempt criminal prosecution for unsafe working conditions. A Cook County grand jury indicted the five officials of Chicago Magnet Wire Co. in 1984 on charges of aggravated battery, reckless conduct and conspiracy. However, a circuit judge dismissed the indictments a year later, ruling they were preempted by federal law. The indictment charged that 42 workers suffered nerve and lung disorders, scars from metals and other problems as a result of their working conditions.