WORKERS' COMPENSATION

Workers' Compensation as its name implies, provides compensation, both medical and monetary, for any Extension employee who sustains an injury in the performance of duty. Under the law, an injured employee is entitled to immediate first aid and complete medical care at no cost. Further, the law warrants payment of monetary compensation (lost time wages) to the injured employee as long as medical evidence indicates that the employee is totally or partially disabled and has sustained a wage loss due to the injury. The mechanics of the payment system are of no concern at this time, but it is important to remember to follow the reporting procedure to insure an Extension employee his/her right to benefits under the law. Health benefit plans, such as Blue Cross, carry an exclusion clause regarding Workers' Compensation injuries and will not accept a claim if aware that it is work-connected. Consequently, the only recourse an Extension employee has for medical or monetary compensation in an on-the-job accident situation is Worker's Compensation.

WHAT TO REPORT

Workers' Compensation procedures suggest that all injuries, even those of a seemingly minor nature like a scratched finger or a bumped knee, should be officially reported. Sometimes the so-called minor injury develops into a serious, complicated condition. Certainly, any on-the-job injury which requires a physician's attention and/or caused absence from work should, without question, be officially reported.  To report work related injuries, complete and submit  the MSU Report of Claimed Occupational Injury or Illness.

REPORT IMMEDIATELY

In the event of an on-the-job accident, the injured party should obtain first aid as needed and notify the immediate supervisor of the incident as soon as practicable. If the injured party is on the MSU payroll, the immediate supervisor should notify the ANR Human Resources Office of the incident as soon as possible; if the injured party is on a county payroll, the immediate supervisor should notify the appropriate county Personnel Officer as soon as possible. For Workmen's Compensation reporting purposes, the immediate supervisor for the County Extension Director is the Regional Supervisor; for county agents, the CED is the immediate supervisor; for Program Associates and paraprofessionals, the program professional is the immediate supervisor.

FORMS

County notice of the accident to the ANR Human Resources office activates the mailing, normally on the same day as notification, of any necessary forms. Further correspondence proves necessary, especially with the injured employee. In all instances, a cover letter of directions specifically explaining which questions need to be answered or what information is being sought accompanies the request. The forms should be returned to the ANR Human Resources Office within 10 working days from the date of the accident. The immediate supervisor should insure that all materials, both from the injured employee and the immediate supervisor, are properly completed and promptly returned to the ANR Human Resources Office. A current form is included in this section of the administrative handbook. 

DOCTOR'S RELEASE

If an employee loses time from work (other than for immediate medical attention) as a result of an on-the-job accident, a written doctor's release is required before this person is allowed to return to work. The release should specifically indicate any work limitations imposed on the individual as a result of the injury, e.g. restrictions against lifting in a back injury case. If the employee's return is on a restricted basis, a written schedule of duties and hours, if appreciably altered, should be prepared by the immediate supervisor and signed by both the employee and the immediate supervisor. Upon receiving the written release along with the statement of restricted duties, if necessary, should then be forwarded to the appropriate Personnel Office. If, upon returning to work, the injured employee requires further medical attention as a result of the original on-the-job accident, the employee should obtain authorization for this additional treatment from the appropriate Personnel Office.

Any questions concerning Workers' Compensation coverage should be directed to:

ANR Human Resources Office
113 Agriculture Hall
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824
517/353-9108