POLICY STATEMENT #49

WORKERS' COMPENSATION

Workers' Compensation provides benefits to employees who sustain job-related injuries or contract occupational diseases while carrying out the duties and responsibilities of their employment. Benefits are in the form of compensation for medical expenses and compensation for disability because of injury or illness.

It is the policy of The University of North Carolina at Charlotte to handle all claims for Workers’ Compensation in a timely and equitable manner. University employees suffering from job-related injuries or occupational diseases will be referred to Student Health Services for such treatment and referral as may be decided upon by the Student Health Services professional staff.

Responsibilities and Procedures

1. The University Workers' Compensation Administrator is responsible for the effectiveness of processing and monitoring the Workers' Compensation claims.

2. The injured employee shall immediately (or as soon as possible thereafter) provide notice of the accident or injury to the appropriate supervisor. With reference to occupational illnesses, notice shall be provided immediately after the employee is first informed of the nature and work-related cause of the illness.         

3.  Student Health Services is the primary contact for University employees injured on the job. These employees shall be directed to Student Health Services for initial and follow-up treatment. Follow-up treatment may either be at Student Health Services, an appropriate specialist's office, or a physician deemed appropriate by Student Health Services.

4.Should Student Health Services be closed (weekends, nights, holidays, etc.), an employee injured on the job will be directed to the Emergency Room of Carolinas Medical Center-University for evaluation by the hospital's Emergency Room physician.

5. Should an employee be injured to the extent it appears assistance is required for transportation to Student Health Services or to Carolinas Medical Center-University, the appropriate supervisor or other responsible person shall contact Campus Police for assistance.

6. The supervisor of the injured employee shall notify the University Safety and Environmental Health Office of the injury as soon as possible but no later than twenty-four (24) hours after the incident. After the initial notice, a written investigation shall be submitted to the Safety and Environmental Health Office within three (3) working days of the incident.

7. Claims for Workers' Compensation shall be submitted to the Safety and Environmental Health Office for review and processing. This includes charges for medical services as well as claims for disability compensation.

Reference

North Carolina Office of State Personnel, Personnel Manual, Section 8-17, "Workers' Compensation."