Understanding Workers’ Compensation Laws May Aid Recovery

Employees report to work every day in New Jersey. They arrive at work and expect to return home without being injured. Some jobs have more risk than others, but if appropriate safety precautions are exercised most injuries can be prevented. In the event that a workplace injury does occur, the possibility may exist for a workers’ compensation claim.

In a recent accident in New Jersey, a sanitation worker was injured while he was trying to unjam a machine and the machine activated. The worker suffered a partial amputation of one finger and another finger was broken. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has imposed $103,476 in penalties against the company for failing to have a lockout system in place that would prevent accidental machine startups. The company was also cited by OSHA for failing to make sure that employees use protective equipment and for exposure of employees to the hazards of bloodborne diseases.

According to an OSHA official, accidents of this nature are avoidable with appropriate worker training and proper lockout and tagout procedures. The company is given 15 days to request a review of the penalties. It can also choose to contest the OSHA findings.

A person who has been seriously hurt on the job in New Jersey will most likely be angry and frustrated. He or she may not be aware of one’s rights under workers’ compensation laws. Taking proactive steps to familiarize oneself with those rights can be an important first step in getting the compensation needed to help get back on one’s feet.