The New Jersey Advisory Council on Safety and Health (COSH) today endorsed Senate President Steve Sweeney (Dem.) for re-election to the New Jersey State Senate in the 3rd. Legislative District (All of Salem and Parts of Cumberland and Gloucester Counties). COSH is a non-profit, non-partisan organization of Petitioners’ Attorneys, Medical Doctors and Union officials working together to protect the rights of injured workers in Workers’ Compensation Courts throughout New Jersey.
COSH President Craig H. Livingston, Esq., stated that “Senator Sweeney has demonstrated his support for the rights of injured workers in New Jersey through his support of legislation protecting and enhancing their benefits as well as supporting the appointment of capable Judges to the Workers’ Compensation Courts throughout New Jersey.” Among the laws cited by Livingston that Senate President Sweeney has supported and advanced are:
· Increasing the power of Workers’ Compensation Judges to enforce Workers’ Compensation laws that benefit injured workers.
· Strengthening enforcement against employers for failure to provide Workers’ Compensation coverage.
· Requiring proof of Workers’ Compensation coverage with certain legally required annual reports of employers.
· Concerning emergent medical care under Workers’ Compensation.
· Banning the charging Workers’ Compensation claimants for certain medical expenses.
COSH Chair Richard Marcolus, Esq., who spent his early career as a carpenter in construction before pursuing a career in law, added that “having been an ironworker since 1977 and currently serving as General Vice President of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcement Iron Workers, Senator Sweeney understands the importance of protecting the rights and benefits of injured workers in Workers’ Compensation Courts.” Marcolus added that in the upcoming 2018-2019 legislative session COSH looks forward to the passage of additional pro-injured workers’ compensation laws, with the support of Senate President Sweeney, such as increasing the benefits of appropriate levels of compensation for hand and foot injuries.
The full endorsement can be found here.
