The Cassidy Law Firm Blog

Workplace injuries remain a serious issue for New Jersey employees, especially in high-risk industries like construction, healthcare, and manufacturing. From slips and falls to repetitive strain injuries, understanding the most common causes of workplace accidents can help workers stay safe and know what to do if they’re hurt on the job. This article by our New Jersey workers’ compensation attorneys  outlines the top injury types in New Jersey, recent trends, and what injured workers need to know about their rights under the state’s workers’ compensation laws.

What Are the Leading Causes of Workplace Injuries in New Jersey?

According to national data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most frequent causes of workplace injuries include slips, trips, and falls; overexertion; contact with objects or equipment; and exposure to harmful substances. These trends are reflected across many industries, but New Jersey’s workforce faces specific risks tied to its economic profile.

In New Jersey, high-risk sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation report a higher incidence of:

1. Slips, trips, and falls: Common in hospitals, warehouses, and construction sites, these injuries often result from wet floors, uneven surfaces, or obstructed walkways.

2. Overexertion and bodily reaction: Physically demanding jobs that involve lifting, pushing, or repetitive motion frequently lead to muscle strains, joint injuries, and back problems.

3. Contact with objects or equipment: Workers in manufacturing and logistics may be struck by machinery, caught in equipment, or injured by falling tools or materials.

4. Exposure to harmful substances: Healthcare professionals and chemical plant workers may suffer respiratory issues, skin conditions, or other illnesses due to contact with hazardous materials.

These types of injuries are not only common but often preventable with proper safety protocols and employer compliance.

How Employer Safety Practices Affect Injury Rates

New Jersey employers are legally obligated to maintain a safe working environment. This includes compliance with federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards as well as New Jersey-specific workplace safety regulations.

Key employer responsibilities include:

• Maintaining a hazard-free workplace

• Providing safety training and personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Reporting serious injuries to the appropriate state and federal agencies

Many workplace injuries occur due to inadequate training, poor maintenance, or failure to follow established safety procedures. When employers neglect these duties, the risk of injury increases significantly. However, even in cases where no one is at fault, injured workers are still entitled to benefits under New Jersey’s no-fault workers’ compensation system.

What Benefits Are Available Under New Jersey’s Workers’ Compensation System?

New Jersey’s workers’ compensation system allows employees to receive benefits for work-related injuries without needing to prove employer negligence. This no-fault model ensures that injured workers can access medical care and wage replacement without delay.

Covered benefits include:

• Medical expenses: Coverage for doctor visits, surgeries, prescriptions, physical therapy, and other necessary treatments

• Lost wages: Temporary or permanent disability payments if you’re unable to work due to your injury

• Occupational illnesses and mental health conditions: Conditions such as repetitive stress injuries, respiratory illnesses, or work-related anxiety may also be eligible for compensation

To preserve your right to benefits, it’s essential to report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Delays in reporting can result in denied or reduced claims.

Once reported, your employer should file a claim with their workers’ compensation insurance provider. If the claim is approved, benefits will begin. If denied, you have the right to appeal through the New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation.

Common Misunderstandings That Can Hurt Your Claim

Many New Jersey workers are unsure about how the workers’ compensation system works, which can lead to costly mistakes. Here are some frequent misconceptions:

• You must prove your employer was at fault: Not true. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. You’re eligible for benefits even if the injury was accidental or partially your own fault.

• Only physical injuries are covered: Mental health conditions and occupational diseases caused by your job may also qualify for benefits.

• You must use your own health insurance: Work-related medical expenses should be covered by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance, not your personal health plan.

Understanding these facts can make a significant difference in your recovery and financial stability after a workplace injury.

What Injured Workers in New Jersey Should Do Next

If you’ve been injured at work, taking prompt and informed action can protect both your health and your legal rights.

Start by:

• Reporting the injury to your employer immediately, even if it seems minor

• Seeking medical attention from an approved provider or emergency care if necessary

Then, gather documentation to support your claim:

• Take photos of the injury and the scene where it occurred

• Collect witness statements if others saw the incident

• Keep detailed records of all medical visits, treatments, and communications with your employer

If your claim is denied, delayed, or you believe your benefits are inadequate, consult a New Jersey workers’ compensation attorney. You have the right to appeal a denied claim through the state’s Division of Workers’ Compensation.

How a New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help