In the state of New Jersey, a legal requirement exists to protect workers in the event of an on-the-job injury. That legal requirement makes certain that employers — barring specific exemptions — purchase workers’ compensation insurance or qualify for self insurance, to ensure that injured workers can pay for medical care and time spent out of work in the event of a job-related accident. These workers’ compensation laws apply to every employer in New Jersey that does not receive protection from Federal programs.

In spite of workers’ compensation laws, however, some New Jersey companies do not have insurance for their employees. This is a violation of the law and those who become aware of such employers are encouraged to contact the New Jersey Office of Special Compensation Funds.

New Jersey residents who call in and report non-compliant employer are permitted to remain anonymous. However, they will need to identify the employer that failed to follow the law. This will ensure that the offending employer is identified and appropriately punished and fined.

One may feel as if no justice is being served following the simple notification about an employer that failed to purchase workers’ compensation insurance. However, the more times non-compliant companies are held responsible for these oversights, the more likely they will follow the law and cover their workers in case of an injury.

By diligently rooting out the workers’ compensation failures of companies, more workers will eventually be covered by workers’ compensation insurance, as employers begin to understand the wisdom inherent in complying with the law. This eventually translates into safer practices that promote saving lives and avoiding tragic accidents altogether.

Source: State of New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, “Injured workers,” accessed Aug. 12, 2016