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Revised: September 2005

Overview:

The University self-insures its workers' compensation exposure. The purpose of workers' compensation is to protect employees from cost of medical care and/or loss of income attributable to a work-related injury or disease. The coverage applies to personal injury, disease or death by an accident arising out of and in the course of employment. Coverage starts immediately upon employment.

Reporting an Injury or Disease:

Work-related injuries or diseases, no matter how minor, must be reported immediately by the employee to the supervisor. In addition, the employee must complete a Notice of Injury or Occupational Disease Incident Report (C-1). The C-1 must be submitted by the employee to the supervisor within seven days of the accident. The supervisor must ensure that the information in the C-1 form is complete and accurate before signing and sending it to the Workers' Compensation Office.

If the employee is unable to complete a C-1, due to the nature of the injury/disease, the supervisor must complete the C-1 and indicate the reason(s) why the employee could not complete the form. It is the supervisor's responsibility to ensure that the Workers' Compensation Office receives this form immediately after the accident.

Medical Treatment:

Medical care and other necessary medical services are provided through a managed care organization. The employee must choose a physician and medical service provider contracted with the managed care organization.

If an injury or disease arising from a work-related accident requires emergency medical treatment, the employee or co-worker should immediately call 911.

Pay during Workers' Compensation Related Absences:

Employees off work as a result of a work-related injury or disease may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits beginning with the fifth day of certified disability in a 20 day period.  Benefit payments are approximately 2/3 of the employee's regular salary up to a cap determined by the State of Nevada. The employee may elect to remain in full pay status by using authorized leave. When this occurs, the employee's leave is partially restored based on the amount of the workers' compensation payment due the employee.

Early Return-to-Work:

When an injury or disease prevents the employee from returning to work in their regular capacity, the University supports early return-to-work. The employing department is required to explore all early return-to-work options for the employee eligible for such assistance. If the department cannot provide a temporary assignment compatible with any temporary restrictions the employee has, the employee will be placed in an assignment with a different department. Salary and benefits will remain the responsibility of the employing department.

Summary:

All University employees are covered by workers' compensation insurance. If a covered work-related injury or work-related disease occurs, this insurance pays for related medical expenses. If an employee is certified by a physician as unable to work for five days or more in a 20-day period, partial wage replacement is provided. In a few cases, the employee may be eligible for permanent partial disability and/or vocational rehabilitation benefits.

Benefit eligibility is determined by the University's workers' compensation insurer in compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements.

The BCN Workers' Compensation Office is the technical resource for employees and departments with questions regarding workers' compensation. In addition, the BCN Workers' Compensation Office is responsible for making sure claims are filed properly, facilitating the return to work of employees with temporary or permanent work restrictions, and controlling costs associated with the workers' compensation process.

Contact Information:

For assistance with workers' compensation issues, contact the BCN Risk Management/Workers' Compensation Office at 784-4394.