WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

COLUMBIA COUNTY BOARD of EDUCATION

Business Department - Workers' Compensation Procedures

An accident or injury should be reported to a supervisor immediately.

The employee and supervisor will determine if medical attention is needed.

If medical attention is needed, the employee will choose one of the doctors or facilities from the Official Notice Poster (pink workers comp poster). A drug screening will be administered for anyone who seeks medical attention due to a work-related injury.

If medical attention is needed, Debra Basile at (706) 541-2723, ext. 5106, should be contacted with the employee's name and the name of the facility where the employee will be seeking medical attention.

The person designated to complete the First Report of Injury Form should do so immediately and the report should be submitted to the Business Department within 7 days.

Important Reminders:

All accidents or injuries should be reported on a First Report of Injury Form.

Any employee who reports an accident or injury must complete the Workers' Comp Benefit Form. One of the three options must be chosen even though an employee may not miss any time from work. A copy of this form should be given to the person responsible for employee leave at your school or department.

If an employee is out of work due to an accident or injury, the first seven days will be used as sick leave or leave without pay.

If an employee is out of work due to a work related injury, a payroll change form should be completed showing the last date worked and the expected date of return. When the employee returns to work another payroll change form must be completed showing the return to work date.

Workers' Comp benefits will not start until the eighth day of absence. Workers Comp (temporary total disability) benefit level is 2/3 of weekly salary with a maximum benefit level of $375 a week.

If you are out of work and not receiving a check from the school system, this can affect your service credit with the retirement system. If so, please write a letter to the retirement system requesting reinstatement of service credit while you were out of work due to a work related injury. The request must be done within six (6) months of your return to work from the injury.