Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual

THE LANGUAGE USED IN THIS DOCUMENT DOES NOT CREATE AN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT BETWEEN THE EMPLOYEE AND THE AGENCY. THE DOCUMENT DOES NOT CREATE ANY CONTRACTUAL RIGHTS OR ENTITLEMENTS. THE AGENCY 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.

Injury Reporting

In case of injury, it is an employee’s responsibility to notify his/her supervisor or department head immediately. Any injury, no matter how slight, must be reported to your supervisor.

In the event of life or limb-threatening emergencies, contact 9-1-1 or seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency facility.

Employee Injury with Medical Treatment

If the injured employee or his/her supervisor judges that medical attention is needed, the injury will need to be reported to Clemson’s workers’ compensation carrier. To report an injury for medical treatment:

1. The supervisor or other designated person must call CorVel at 1-866-282-2674 to report the injury and assist in completing the First Report of Injury with a Nurse Case Manager. The employee will be referred to Redfern Health Center or an AUTHORIZED Off Campus Medical Facility.
2. The injured employee must complete the Workers’ Compensation Report of Injury form and submit to wcriskmanagement@clemson.edu

Employee Injury without Medical Treatment

If the injured employee does not require medical treatment at the time of injury, the injury should still be documented and reported to Risk Services and Insurance. To report a notice of injury only:

1. The injured employee must complete the First Report of Injury form and submit to wcriskmanagement@clemson.edu

Additional Procedure in Event of Lost Days from Work Injury

Notification of Absence: If upon treatment of a work injury, the physician declares the employee unable to resume his regular duties, the employee may remain absent unless alternate work is made available which the employee can perform without detriment. The employee must obtain a doctor's statement indicating first date of absence and estimated date of return.

When work absence is necessary, it is the responsibility of the employee and his supervisor to notify Risk Services & Insurance immediately by telephone. Family Medical Leave Act form(FMLA) needs to be filled out along with a Notice of Election and returned to Risk Services & Insurance at wcriskmanagement@clemson.edu. For more information regarding FMLA, contact the Clemson University Benefits Team at empins@clemson.edu.

Notification to Employee on Pay and Compensation Options: Upon notification of a work absence, Risk Services & Insurance will issue a letter to the disabled employee informing him of the pay and compensation options provided by the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Law. Refer to Notice of Election and Coordinating Sick and Annual Leave with WC which explains these options in detail.

Notice of Election: The disabled employee must decide on an option which is available to him and which is advantageous to his personal circumstances. It is recommended that the employee consult by telephone with Risk Services & Insurance before electing an option because the direction taken can affect fringe benefits, earnings, service credit, etc. An employee's choice of option shall be irrevocable for the duration of his disability period.
Note: An employee who chooses Option (1) or Option (3) will remain in the chosen option unless paid leave is exhausted. Upon exhaustion of available paid leave, the employee will revert automatically to Option (2).

Agreement as to Compensation: After the disabled employee's choice of option has been established, he will be required to sign a prepared Agreement as to Compensation to indicate paid leave and/or temporary total disability compensation payments. The Agreement termination date, if not otherwise specified, depends upon the treating physician's declaration that the employee may return to work.
When the treating physician releases the employee for return to work, Risk Services & Insurance must be notified immediately by telephone regarding the specific date the employee will begin work.
Compensation shall cease:

• • When the injured employee returns to work upon the direction of the treating physician, at a pay rate equal to or greater than his average pay rate before injury.
  • If there is discovered any fraud or intent to deceive.
  • If the injured employee refuses employment which is suitable to his capacity and approved by the S.C. Workers’ Compensation Commission.

If an injured employee is unable to maintain his former responsibilities while recovering from his injury or because of disability from the injury, he may be able to accept other work. If he must accept less pay than his average pay rate before injury, he is entitled to compensation based on 66.67% of the difference in pay rate.
 
Permanent Impairment: In the event that maximum medical improvement is attained and the injured employee exhibits evidence of a permanent disability or disfigurement, his treating physician will specify the amount of impairment upon his final treatment statement.
The South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission will schedule a conference and notify the employee of the time, date, and location. If the employee cannot attend, he should notify Risk Services & Insurance to arrange an alternate date or location.
Please refer to Compensation Conference Policy for information regarding the conference.

For more detailed information, please contact Risk Services & Insurance at 864-656-3365.