Top NJ Workers' Compensation Decisions of 2019

It has been an active 2019 for workers’ compensation decisions in New Jersey. There have been two NJ Supreme Court opinions and three reported Appellate Court opinions that are noteworthy. From a review of the pending docket the NJ Supreme Court will be reviewing at least 3 very significant issues in 2020 invoking workers’ compensation issues.

Significant Legislation Advances in New Jersey

Important workers’ compensation legislation is quickly advancing as the current 2018-2019 legislative session comes to a close. A bill increasing the recovery for injuries to hands and feet,  also also embodies a significant requirement that the Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development study, on an ongoing basis, the effectiveness of the State’s workers’ compensation program.

Better Chemistry Through Regulation

The newly released movie, Dark Waters, provides a dramatic insight into the corporate disregard to human safety and life. The film, to be nationally released this weekend, puts into focus the chemical industry's utter disregard for human life that is compounded by the lack of governmental regulation of an out-of-control business.

New Jersey Construction Company and its President Pay $442,000 In OSHA Penalties

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recovered payment of $442,000 in penalties and interest from Washington Township, New Jersey-based construction company Altor Inc. and its president Vasilios Saites, after years-long efforts by the Department to collect unpaid penalties for the company’s safety violations.

PFAS Contamination Legislation Advances

Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) updated the public on legislation to address PFAS contamination and exposure. Last week, Pallone’s Energy and Commerce Committee passed comprehensive legislation to protect Americans from PFAS and clean up waste sites. The legislation is critical to stopping the flow of these harmful chemicals into our environment, drinking water, cooking products and more. It also ensures that polluters pay for the cleanup of these sites. According to a report, there are 517 water systems in New Jersey that are contaminated with PFAS.

Efforts to Protect the Public From Asbestos Exposure

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey today released a new report highlighting her office’s ongoing efforts to protect children, families, and workers from the health risks posed by exposure to asbestos.

NJ Insurance Rates Decrease 5.8%

The Commissioner of Banking and Insurance (“Commissioner”) has approved a 5.8% decrease in rates and rating values applicable to New Jersey workers’ compensation and employers’ liability insurance effective January 1, 2020 on a new and renewal basis.

The Rating Bureau filed for a decrease of 3.8% in rates and rating values; however, the Commissioner revised the overall change to the approved amount of -5.8%.

The rating components of the approved decrease are summarized in this Circular Letter, issued concurrently with Manual Amendment Bulletin #493, Manual Amendment Bulletin #494 and Statistical Circular #126.