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ON-THE-JOB ACCIDENT REPORTING PROCEDURE FOR
EXTENSION PERSONNEL
The following information outlines the appropriate steps to take in reporting
an on-the-job accident or injury and a general explanation of Workers’
Compensation and how it is applied to Michigan State University Extension.
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. 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 Workers’
Compensation.
WHAT TO REPORT
Workers’ Compensation procedures suggest that all injuries, even those of a
seemingly minor nature, should be officially reported. In some cases, the
so-called minor injury may develop into something more serious or become
complicated. Certainly, any on-the-job injury which requires a physician’s
attention and/or causes 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. This form must be sent
to the appropriate Regional office and forwarded to MSUE Human Resources.
MSUE Human Resources will submit any necessary forms to the University
Workers’ Compensation office.
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 MSUE 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 Workers’ Compensation reporting purposes, the immediate
supervisor for the County Extension Director is the Regional Director; for
Educators, the CED is the immediate supervisor; for paraprofessionals, the Educator
or CED is the immediate supervisor.
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 applicable, should be prepared by the immediate
supervisor and signed by both the employee and the immediate supervisor. The
written release along with the statement of restricted duties, if necessary,
should then be forwarded to the appropriate Regional office and MSUE Human
Resources. If, upon returning to work, the injured employee requires further
medical attention as a result of the original on-the-job accident, this
information must also be supplied, in writing, by the treating physician.
Any questions concerning Workers’ Compensation coverage should be directed
to:
MSUE Human Resources
182 Agriculture Hall
E. Lansing, MI 48824-1039
PHONE: 517/353-9108
FAX: 517/432-4986
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