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Protecting the Rights of Teenage Workers

Teen workers play an important role in New Jersey’s workforce, gaining valuable experience and earning money while still in school. However, minors working in retail, restaurants, warehouses, and other industries face significant risks due to inexperience and potentially hazardous job conditions. Because of this, New Jersey has strict labor laws for minors designed to protect them from dangerous tasks, excessive work hours, and workplace accidents.

When a teen worker is injured on the job, they have legal rights, including the ability to file a workers’ compensation claim and seek medical care. However, the process can be complicated, and both minors and their parents should understand the steps required to secure compensation and ensure the teen receives the necessary care.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of New Jersey’s labor laws, how to handle workplace injuries involving minors, and the legal options available to injured teen workers and their families.

Understanding NJ Labor Laws for Minors

New Jersey enforces strict employment regulations to ensure that teenage workers are not exploited or placed in dangerous situations. These laws include age restrictions, work-hour limitations, and protections against workplace hazards.

Age Restrictions and Permitted Job Types

Not all jobs are suitable for minors. The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) classifies employment restrictions based on age:

Ages 14-15
Limited to non-hazardous jobs such as office work, cashier positions, retail jobs, and food service (excluding cooking and handling hazardous equipment). They are prohibited from working in manufacturing, construction, and hazardous labor settings.

Ages 16-17
Allowed to work in a broader range of industries, including limited roles in construction, food service, and non-hazardous warehouse work. They are still restricted from working with heavy machinery, roofing, and demolition.

Ages 18+
Considered legal adults and can work in any industry.

Employers hiring minors must comply with these job restrictions to ensure they do not assign tasks that could result in injury.

Work Hour Restrictions for Teen Employees

To ensure that work does not interfere with education, New Jersey limits the number of hours minors can work:

Ages 14-15:

• No more than 3 hours on a school day.
• No more than 18 hours per week during the school year.
• No work past 7 PM (except during summer, when they may work until 9 PM).

Ages 16-17:

• Can work up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week.
• Cannot work past 11 PM on school nights (1 AM on weekends).

Employers who violate these work-hour limitations can face penalties and lawsuits if a minor is injured due to excessive work shifts or fatigue.

 

Common Workplace Injuries Among Teen Workers

Teen workers face higher injury rates than adults due to their lack of experience, limited safety training, and the types of jobs they typically work. Some of the most common workplace injuries include:

Slip and Fall Accidents
Retail stores, restaurants, and warehouses often have slippery floors, spilled liquids, or obstacles that can lead to slip and fall accidents. Since many teen workers stand for long hours, they are at risk of knee, ankle, and back injuries.

Burns and Cuts
Fast-food restaurants and kitchens expose teens to hot surfaces, boiling liquids, and sharp knives, which often result in burn injuries, deep cuts, and other wounds.

Lifting and Overexertion Injuries
Many jobs require lifting heavy boxes or pushing carts, leading to back, shoulder, and muscle injuries. Employers must provide proper lifting techniques and training to reduce the risk of injury.

Machinery-Related Injuries
Minors should not operate heavy machinery or work in hazardous environments. However, accidents still happen, sometimes due to faulty equipment or employer negligence.

 

What to Do After a Teenage Workplace Injury in NJ

If a teen worker suffers a workplace injury, taking immediate action is essential to protect their health and legal rights.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
   Even if an injury seems minor, it is crucial to see a doctor because some injuries may worsen over time. If the injury is serious, an ambulance should be called, or the minor should go to the emergency room.
2. Report the Injury to the Employer
   The injury should be reported to a supervisor, manager, or HR department immediately. Delays in reporting can affect the teen’s workers’ compensation eligibility. Employers must document the incident and report it to their insurance provider.
3. Document the Incident
   It is important to gather evidence about the accident, including:

• • Photos of the accident scene and injuries.
  • Witness statements from coworkers.
  • Medical records and doctor’s reports.

4. File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
   New Jersey law requires all employers to provide workers’ compensation coverage for injured workers, including minors. This coverage pays for medical treatment, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs.

 

NJ Workers’ Compensation for Teen Employees

Can Minors File Workers’ Comp Claims?
Yes. Teen workers have the same legal right to workers’ compensation benefits as adult workers in New Jersey.

What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?
Workers’ comp provides financial relief for:

• Medical expenses (hospital visits, surgery, physical therapy).
• Lost wages if the minor is unable to work.
• Permanent disability benefits if the injury results in lasting damage.

How Long Do Teens Have to File a Claim?
In New Jersey, injured workers—including minors—must file a workers’ comp claim within two years of the injury date. Parents should act quickly to avoid missing this deadline.

 

Parental Rights in Teen Workplace Injuries

Can Parents Sue an Employer for a Teen Worker’s Injury?
In most cases, workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy, meaning parents cannot sue unless:

• The employer intentionally caused harm.
• The employer failed to carry workers’ comp insurance.

What If an Employer Refuses to Report the Injury?
If an employer refuses to file a claim, parents can report the injury directly to the NJ Division of Workers’ Compensation or hire a lawyer to pursue legal action.

 

Employer Responsibility for Teen Worker Injuries in NJ

Employers are legally responsible for ensuring the safety of teenage workers. They must:

• Provide proper safety training and protective equipment.
• Follow child labor laws regarding job types and work hours.
• Report all workplace injuries and process workers’ comp claims.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, lawsuits, and criminal charges.

 

Seeking Legal Help for Teenage Worker Injury Claims

If a teen worker is injured, a workers’ compensation attorney can help secure the benefits they deserve. A lawyer can:

• File the workers’ comp claim properly.
• Ensure the teen receives full compensation.
• Take legal action if the employer is negligent or refuses to pay benefits.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Teen Worker Injury Rights in NJ

Can a minor file a workers’ compensation claim in New Jersey?
Yes, minors have the same legal right as adults to file a workers’ compensation claim if they are injured at work. Workers’ compensation provides coverage for medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs for injured employees, regardless of their age.

What should a teen worker do after getting injured on the job?
The first step is to seek medical attention, even if the injury seems minor. The worker should immediately report the injury to a supervisor or manager and request that an incident report be completed. It is also important to document the accident with photos, witness statements, and medical records.

What types of workplace injuries are common for teen workers?
Common injuries for teenage workers in New Jersey include slip and falls, burns, cuts, lifting injuries, and accidents involving machinery or kitchen equipment. These injuries often occur in retail stores, restaurants, warehouses, and construction sites.

Are there any restrictions on the types of jobs minors can do in NJ?
Yes, New Jersey law prohibits minors from working in hazardous industries such as construction, roofing, demolition, and manufacturing involving heavy machinery. Minors also cannot work with toxic chemicals, explosives, or in any environment considered dangerous under state and federal labor laws.

What benefits does workers’ compensation provide for injured minors?
Workers’ compensation in New Jersey covers medical expenses, including hospital visits, medications, and physical therapy. It also provides partial wage replacement if the minor is unable to work due to their injury. In cases of long-term disability, additional benefits may be available.

 

Contact The Epstein Law Firm, P.A., Today

Teen workers deserve safe jobs, and when injuries happen, they must be protected under NJ law. Parents should advocate for their child’s rights, and employers must follow all labor laws to prevent accidents.

If you or your child suffered a workplace injury in NJ, a workers’ compensation lawyer can help secure the benefits you deserve. Contact The Epstein Law Firm, P.A., and get a free consultation today!