New Jersey Workers Face Real Safety Issues

New Jersey workers deserve to feel safe while earning a living. Putting food on the table should not come at the cost of putting yourself in serious danger every single day. Unfortunately, workers in the Garden State are experiencing real safety problems. Some are becoming injured. Others suffer life-altering disabilities that prevent them from ever earning another dollar. Still others lose their lives, leaving their families grieving and unable to support their children. It is in everyone’s best interests to improve safety in the workplace – including employers, the entire economy of New Jersey, and of course, the workers.

If you have suffered injuries in your workplace, you might be struggling to pay your medical bills. These issues are even more problematic because you cannot work and earn an income while injured. So what kind of issues do New Jersey workers face today, and how can you pursue compensation for your injuries? Let’s find out:

New Jersey Employers Constantly Commit Safety Violations

New Jersey employers commit safety violations on a regular basis – especially within the construction industry. On February 3, 2023, it was reported that a New Jersey construction company had pleaded guilty to violating safety rules in Hudson Valley. Federal charges were filed against the company after the death of a worker. This worker was killed due to a concrete wall collapse in 2017, and an investigation later determined that the construction company was warned about the impending risk numerous times.

Despite warnings from regulators, this company continued to pile dirt against the concrete wall unsafely. The inevitable eventually occurred, and the concrete wall collapsed on two workers. One survived with serious injuries, while the other lost his life. Although the criminal charges are still moving forward, the construction company settled with the widow of the deceased worker for an undisclosed amount in 2020.

In January of 2023, it was reported that a New Jersey roofing contractor had been fined more than $500,000 after violating numerous OSHA regulations. Roofing is one of the most dangerous jobs in the construction world – even if employers follow safety regulations carefully. In this case, however, workers were improperly using ladders without head or eye protection. Workers were also exposed to a potential 30-foot drop with no fall protection whatsoever.

In February of 2023, Amazon was fined yet again for warehouse safety regulations in sites across the country, including workplaces in New Jersey. Amazon is currently facing an ongoing investigation into a string of deaths in New Jersey warehouses. One of the main issues for federal regulators is the high rate of repetitive strain injuries and musculoskeletal issues suffered by Amazon warehouse workers – allegedly due to the high rate of work and strict quotas.

In February, a worker won a settlement of $8 million after suffering a brain injury on the job in New Jersey. This employee was working on a roof when he fell to the ground after falling through a hole that was not adequately protected and covered. He fell 25 feet onto a concrete slab, suffering a fractured skull, brain bleeds, five fractured vertebrae, and a broken rib. After arriving at a nearby hospital, he was placed into a medically-induced coma because his injuries were so severe.

Also in February of 2023, a gas station employee suffered serious injuries while trying to stop a carjacker from getting away. She was thrown from the hood of a vehicle moving at high speed, suffering serious injuries. She was then transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The Clifton Police Department stated that she suffered numerous injuries, including a bleeding head injury. This shows that New Jersey workers face safety issues from all kinds of different sources, including negligent employers and dangerous customers.

Where Can I Find a Attorney in New Jersey?

 If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced attorney in New Jersey, look no further than Lependorf & Silverstein. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured workers pursue meaningful compensation after suffering in workplace accidents. We know that the average New Jersey worker faces all kinds of hazards while trying to earn an income. As an American, you have important employee rights that cannot be violated. Stand up for your rights and fight for your fair share today by booking a consultation with us. We will help you file your claim and recover the compensation you deserve – even if your claim has already been denied.