Penn State University Libraries - Workers' Compensation

An employee has an obligation to report any work-related injury, regardless of how minor, to his or her supervisor. Employees may notify Len White, in Facilities, of the injury either online or by contacting him in Facilities, at 865-4633 or 777-4633. The employee will be provided with a “Workers' Compensation Employee Notification” form and a copy of the “Healthcare Provider Panel” list as part of the electronic reporting process. An injured employee must seek treatment from a provider panel participant for the first 90 days of treatment in order to ensure that the University will pay for medical treatment. If the injury results in an immediate medical emergency, initial medical assistance may be obtained from a hospital or health care provider of the employee's choice.

How should the attendance record be completed for Workers' Comp-related absences?

For any time missed due to a work-related illness or injury, employees should account for this time in the attendance system, using the appropriate reason from the list of “Worker’s Compensation Paid Absence” options, if there is paid time available (first sick, then vacation, etc.). The attendance system will automatically calculate the correct amount of time to apply 1/3 of the applicable paid time to your balances, and the University will cover the remaining 2/3 of the time.

If the employee does not have time to cover the leave, the employee should mark either “NP – Worker’s Compensation” for up to nine days of unpaid time, or “LOA – Worker’s Compensation (without pay)” for absences that are unpaid for ten or more days. Workers' Compensation will begin compensation, once the illness or injury is determined to be compensable.

If the illness or injury does not result in a full day's absence on the day of the occurrence, or in any continuing time (even intermittent), the supervisor need not take further action. When the illness or injury results in a full day absence and/or continuing absences, the supervisor will be contacted by LHR staff to discuss how the absences should be recorded and if there are any limitations due to the illness/injury.

What is the supervisor's responsibility related to a Workers' Comp incident?

First, it is the supervisor's responsibility to immediately report the illness or injury. As soon as the incident occurs, the supervisor should contact Len White so that Len can expedite completion of the Report of Injury and properly instruct the employee on seeking medical treatment. It is important to remember that some injuries, such as repetitive motion injuries, are not evident immediately. If there is an incident in which the employee does not feel the need to seek immediate medical treatment, it still must be reported and it is the supervisor's obligation to ensure this is done. The supervisor should also ensure that the attendance record has been recorded correctly by the employee.

For more information on Workers' Compensation and reporting incidents, see the Libraries' SafetyNet or the Workers' Compensation website.