In a recently released opinion, the New Jersey Supreme Court has provided additional guidance on the state’s “Authorized Vehicle Rule” as stipulated in the Workers’ Compensation Act. The decision has the potential to impact employers across New Jersey significantly.
The case at hand involved a pest-control technician who sustained injuries while traveling in a vehicle owned by the company. The technician was en route from his residence to his employer’s premises to restock his chemical supply before commencing the day’s jobs.
According to JDSupra, this case has resulted in a clearer understanding of the parameters underpinning the “Authorized Vehicle Rule.”
The ruling centered on whether the technician, while operating an employer’s vehicle during travel to the employer’s facility (but prior to beginning his designated tasks for the day), fell under the scope of the “Authorized Vehicle Rule.” Subsequently, this decision carried implications for whether he was eligible for compensation under the relevant Workers’ Compensation Act provisions.
Law professionals and businesses should familiarize themselves with the details of this ruling, as it specifies the responsibilities and liabilities of the employer when their employees are operating company vehicles outside of direct work assignments.