Reporting Workplace Injuries and Workers Compensation
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All employees of the university are protected while on duty by a Workers’ Compensation Plan administered by State Accident Fund (SAF.)
| Policy Number: | 4.415 |
| Effective Date: | 02/01/2010 |
| Date Reviewed: | 10/01/2016 |
| Last Review Date: | |
| Responsible Official: | |
| Responsible Office: | Human Resources, Employee Diversity and Wellness |
| Contact Information: |
303 Tillman Hall Rock Hill, SC 29733, USA 803/323-2273 803/323-4861 (fax) HRhelp@winthrop.edu |
1.0 Specific meanings of bold terms seen throughout this policy can be found within the University's policy definition glossary by following the link below.
THIS DOCUMENT IS NOT A CONTRACT BETWEEN EMPLOYEES AND WINTHROP UNIVERSITY, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. THIS DOCUMENT DOES NOT CREATE ANY CONTRACTUAL RIGHTS OR ENTITLEMENTS. WINTHROP UNIVERSITY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REVISE THE CONTENT OF THIS DOCUMENT, IN WHOLE OR IN PART. NO PROMISES OR ASSURANCES, WHETHER WRITTEN OR ORAL, WHICH ARE CONTRARY TO OR INCONSISTENT WITH THE TERMS OF THIS PARAGRAPH CREATE ANY CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT.
A. Applicability
All employees of the university are protected while on duty by a Workers’ Compensation Plan administered by State Accident Fund (SAF.) Medical case management is provided by Compendium Services, Inc., through a contractual agreement with SAF. Worker’s compensation claims are filed electronically by Compendium Services in response to the submission of a First Report of Injury. Questions regarding this plan or the reporting procedures should be directed to Winthrop University Environmental Health and Safety at 803-323-2392.
When an injury or illness is determined by SAF to be work-related, the employee’s medical expenses including prescription drugs and mileage for doctor’s visits in excess of ten miles per round-trip may be paid. An employee also may be eligible for temporary payroll benefits if they become disabled due to a work-related injury or illness and cannot work.
B. Reporting Minor Injuries or Work-Related Illnesses
1. Any employee who sustains even a minor injury while on duty or develops a work-related illness must immediately report the injury or illness to their supervisor.
2. When medical treatment is needed, the supervisor must contact Compendium Services at 877-709-2667 to file a First Report of Injury and to receive authorization for the treatment. All non-emergency medical treatment must be pre-approved by Compendium Services and is provided by:
Occumed at Riverview Medical Center
1393 Celanese Road
Rock Hill, SC 29732
803-327-0033
3. The supervisor must also report the injury or illness to Winthrop University Environmental Health and Safety at 803-323-2392
Employees should report all injuries and work-related illnesses to their supervisor, no matter how minor they may seem at the time. An employee who fails to report an injury or work-related illness may risk being denied benefits by SAF should medical treatment be needed at a later time.
C. Medical Emergencies
1. In the event of a serious or life-threatening injury that requires immediate or emergency medical attention, call 9-911 for an emergency operator or call the Winthrop University Police Department at 803-323-3333. Compendium Services and Environmental Health and Safety must be contacted as soon as the situation allows.
2. When an injured employee is transported to an emergency treatment facility for care, the supervisor or a designated university representative should accompany them to the facility and remain until the employee has been admitted or released.
3. The supervisor or designated university representative should notify the treating facility that worker’s compensation may be filed for the injured employee and provide the following insurance information, if needed:
For case management and treatment authorization:
Compendium Services, Inc.
877-709-2667
For billing and payment information:
State Accident Fund
Post Office Box 102100
Columbia, SC 29221-5000
800-521-6576
For verification of employment and insurance coverage:
Winthrop University
Environmental Health and Safety
803-323-2392
OR
Winthrop University
Human Resources
803-323-2273
D. Return to Work
An employee who has received medical treatment for an injury or work-related illness may return to work only when authorized in writing by the treating physician to return to full duty. Full duty is defined as being able to perform all job functions without restriction or limitation. If the treating physician restricts an employee’s activities, but the specific restrictions do not impact job performance, the employee may return to work. However, if the restricted activities limit the employee’s ability to perform at full duty, the employee may not be allowed to return to work until the restrictions are lifted and he/she presents a doctor’s written statement to that effect. Winthrop University does not provide light or limited duty assignments. Potential ADA issues arising because of an injury or work-related illness and accommodation issues should be addressed to the Office of Human Resources.
E. Election of Compensation Method
Section 8-11-145 of the SC Code of Laws provides that, in the event of an accidental injury or work-related illness arising out of and in the course of employment with the state, a disabled employee shall make an election to receive compensation under one of the following options:
The effect of each available option on the employee’s future leave can be explained to the employee by the university workers’ compensation administrator if necessary before the election of method is made. The election shall be in writing and signed by the employee and the person who explains the options. The election of the employee is irrevocable as to each individual accident or work-related illness. Regardless of which method of disability compensation an employee elects, he/she would continue to be eligible for payment of medical costs provided by the State Accident Fund.
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