Workers are entitled to a safe and healthy workplace. In addition to New Jersey workers’ compensation benefits for a work-related injury, employees have many other rights. These rights help ensure that medical care is provided and that employers maintain a safe workplace.
Personal injury
A workplace injury involves physical or psychological harm that an employee suffered in their work. These often include slips and falls, repetitive sprain injuries or harm from hazardous substance exposure. Workplace injuries can also cause chronic health problems, disability or death.
Employee rights
Employers must provide a safe and healthy workplace to employees under the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act. This law requires sufficient training, equipment and protective gear and implementing measures to prevent accidents and injuries.
Workers have the right to report unsafe working conditions to their employer or to OSHA. Employers cannot retaliate against workers for making these reports.
Workers are also entitled to workplace accommodation for their jobs if they have a disability caused by a workplace injury. Accommodation usually includes changes to work schedules, equipment, or duties.
Workers’ compensation
Injured workers may be entitled to New Jersey workers’ compensation benefits for a work-related injury. Benefits pay medical costs, lost wages, and survivor benefits for your family.
Employers have to provide information to workers on filing workers’ compensation claims. Workers must file claims within a specified time.
Post-injury steps
Workers should report their injury to their employer as soon as possible so they can receive appropriate care and that their injury is documented. You also need to promptly file a workers’ compensation claim.