(BENTON, IL) — The mayor of Benton is taking a proactive approach in trying to reduce the number of work-related accidents that city employees have suffered over the years. At Monday night’s City Council meeting, Mayor Fred Kondritz gave a presentation regarding worker compensation issues saying the city must take action to resolve the issue. The city announced earlier this month that its worker compensation insurance will go up $2,000 a month due to the number of claims filed against the city. That’s according to a recent report in the Benton Evening News. Kondritz is suggesting as city employees plan their day to do stretching exercises and get ready for work. He added that the city needs a program where employees would get used to doing exercises every day in order to reduce work injuries. He says employees also need to know about staying hydrated and getting proper nutrition. There are plans for a company to meet with the council next month about the worker’s compensation issue.