The winter season brings a surge of tourism and hospitality activity in New Jersey — holiday events, restaurants, hotels, ice rinks, ski facilities, and winter festivals. Seasonal hospitality workers encounter hazards that put them at risk for injury, yet many are unaware of their workers’ compensation rights.
This blog breaks down what winter hospitality employees need to know.
Types of Winter Hospitality Workers Covered in NJ
Seasonal hospitality roles include:
- Servers, bussers, bartenders
- Hotel staff and housekeeping
- Event workers and banquet staff
- Ski lodge or winter-resort employees
- Ice rink attendants
- Winter festival workers
- Catering and kitchen staff
If you are paid through payroll and receive a W-2, you qualify for coverage.
Common Injuries Among Winter Hospitality Employees
Hospitality workers regularly face dangerous conditions such as:
- Slip and falls on wet floors or icy outdoor walkways
- Burns from hot surfaces or liquids
- Cuts from kitchen equipment or broken glass
- Back and shoulder injuries from lifting trays or moving equipment
- Overexertion from long shifts
- Injuries caused by intoxicated customers
- Cold-weather exposure for outdoor hospitality events
These hazards increase during the winter season when foot traffic and event demands spike.
What Benefits Can Hospitality Workers Receive?
In New Jersey, injured hospitality workers may receive:
- Medical treatment with no co-pay
- Temporary disability benefits while unable to work
- Permanent partial benefits if the injury results in long-term impairment
- Permanent total disability in severe cases
These benefits apply regardless of your employment length.
What to Do If You’re Hurt While Working a Seasonal Hospitality Job
Follow these critical steps:
- Report the injury immediately to a manager or supervisor.
- Ask for employer-authorized medical care.
- Write down how and where the accident happened.
- Collect witness information, if applicable.
- Speak with a workers’ compensation attorney if you face denial, pressure, or lack of medical access.
Seasonal hospitality workers often fear job loss or schedule cuts, which makes legal support even more essential.
The Importance of Legal Support
A knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyer can help:
- Secure proper medical care
- Challenge employer or insurance delays
- Make sure benefits are paid accurately
- Protect you from retaliation
- Maximize your settlement when the case closes
Seasonal employees deserve the same legal protections as full-time workers.
Winter hospitality jobs play an essential role in New Jersey’s seasonal economy — but they also come with substantial risks. If you are injured, you have rights under state law. Don’t hesitate to get help navigating the workers’ compensation process.
