Workers' Compensation FAQs

• How do I report a workers' compensation injury? (Employees)
• How do I report a workers' compensation injury? (Supervisors)

1. How do I report a workers' compensation injury? (Employees)

   When injured at work, please follow the steps below:

• Report the injury to your supervisor immediately.
• Obtain medical care promptly.

If you are unable to work because of the injury, there are three (3) additional steps you need to take
Provide your supervisor with medical certification of:

• Any and all disability leave dates.
• Any and all changes in disability leave dates.

Obtaining Prompt Medical Care
If emergency treatment is required:

• Go to the nearest emergency room
• Report the injury to your supervisor as soon as possible
• For follow-up care, go to one of your location's designated physicians.

For Non-emergent care:

• Immediately report the injury to your supervisor.
• Unless you have designated your personal physician prior to the injury then:

For medical and follow-up care:

• Go to one of your location's designated physicians. (Inquire of your location's workers' compensation contact from the directory above.) If your treating physician certifies you for disability:
• Provide your supervisor with medical certification of any and all disability leave dates.
• Provide your supervisor with medical certification of any and all future changes in disability leave dates.

It is very important that you keep your Unit Supervisor informed of your leave dates. Your Supervisor will need copies of your treating physician's certificate(s) stating the date(s) of your medical disability. Your supervisor should also be informed of all future changes in those dates. Failure to provide this information may delay your Workers' Compensation payments and/or affect your other insurance coverage.


Return to top





2. How do I report a workers' compensation injury? (Supervisors) What to do When an Injury Occurs -

Supervisors
Emergency Situations - Call 911

• Call the ambulance if necessary.
• Call your local workers' compensation contact (see above directory) as soon as possible to report all serious injuries:
• Remove the equipment from service. (if applicable)
• Tag the equipment for identification (if applicable).

Upon knowledge of injury there are three (3) immediate actions a supervisor must take. (Non-emergency)

• Step 1: Arrange medical care for the injured employee:
  • Ask the employee if they have a signed pre-designated physician form on file. If so, contact your workers' compensation contact from the above directory to confirm. If not, obtain a referral from your workers compensation contact
• Step 2: Complete the Employee's Claim Form (DWC - 1)
  • Procedures for completing the Employee Claim form (DWC-1)
  • Cover letter to Employee
  • Proof of Service form
• Step 3: Complete the Employer's Report of Occupational Injury or Illness form (5020) Procedures for completing the Employer's Report (5020)

If the employee loses time from work, there are an additional three (3) actions.

• Step 4: Immediately contact your EDB Preparer/Departmental Personnel Assistant (DPA) for Family Medical Leave Act procedures and eligibility criteria.
• Step 5: Provide Return to Work/Vocational Rehabilitation Program.
  • Make every effort to reduce Lost Workdays by providing medically appropriate Modified Work during the transitional stages of your employee's medical recovery.
  • Call your workers' compensation contact for assistance and consultation in designing Transitional/Modified work.
  • The day your employee returns to work, call Octagon Risk Services (510) 433-5300 to prevent overpayment of disability benefits.
• Step 6: By taking the above actions, supervisor will:
  • Minimize the severity of the employee's injury.
  • Prevent future injuries by maintaining a safe work environment.
  • Avoid legal fines and penalties being assessed against their departments.
  • Assure rapid provision of compensation benefits where due.

Minimize financial loss to the employee, the department, and the University as a whole.

Return to top