Opinion ID: 2299760
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The Control Test

Text: The control test is grounded in the common law master-servant relationship. New Jersey Property-Liability Ins. Guar. Ass'n v. State, 195 N.J.Super. 4, 8, 477 A. 2d 826 (App.Div.), cert. denied, 99 N.J. 188, 491 A. 2d 691 (1984). The master-servant relationship exists whenever the employer controls both the nature of the work performed and the manner in which the work is completed. Errickson v. Schwiers Co., 108 N.J.L. 481, 483, 158 A. 482 (E. & A. 1932). On the other hand, an employer hires an independent contractor to complete a particular task, but does not direct the manner in which it is to be completed. Ibid. Drawing on those principles, the control test assesses four factors in determining a worker's status: (1) the degree of control exercised by the employer over the means of completing the work; (2) the source of the worker's compensation; (3) the source of the worker's equipment and resources; and (4) the employer's termination rights. Delbridge v. Office of the Public Defender, 238 N.J.Super. 288, 320-21, 569 A. 2d 854 (Law Div.1989) aff'd 297 N.J.Super. 1, 687 A. 2d 748 (App.Div.1993); New Jersey Property, supra, 195 N.J.Super. at 14, 477 A. 2d 826. The greater the degree of control exercised by the employer, the more likely a worker will be considered an employee. The control test is satisfied whenever the employer retains the right of control, even if the employer may not exercise actual control over the worker. Sloan v. Luyando, 305 N.J.Super. 140, 148, 701 A. 2d 1275 (App.Div.1997).