General

The University of West Florida is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all of its employees. The Office of Human Resources administers the Workers' Compensation Program for the University.

Reporting Injuries

The employee must report all work-related injuries/illnesses to the supervisor immediately. The employee and supervisor must complete the Report of Injury form and submit it to Human Resources as soon as possible after the injury (Fax: 850-857-6030). If the supervisor is unavailable, the report should be completed by the employee and the department head. Failure to report an injury/illness may result in forfeiture of rights available from workers' compensation.

Reporting Injuries After Hours/Holidays/Weekends

Injured employees should report their injury to their supervisor and call University Police at 2911 or 2415. The University Police will assist in arranging medical treatment. A Report of Injury should be submitted to Human Resources on the first workday following the injury.

Emergencies

If immediate medical assistance is required, University Police should be called at 2911 or 2415. If required, the University Police will have Emergency Medical Services respond. The employee's supervisor should notify Human Resources of the injury as soon as possible and submit the Report of Injury form.

Authorization for Medical Treatment for Work-Related Injuries

To receive authorization for treatment, contact the Workers' Compensation Coordinator in Human Resources by calling (850) 474-2606, (850) 474 2156 or (850) 474-2694. Human Resources will then report the injury to OptaComp, the workers' compensation third party administrator as of January 1, 2009. The injured employee must participate in the initial telephone call to OptaComp with Human Resources either in the Human Resources office or via conference call.

Employees must submit certification from an OptaComp authorized physician to their supervisor and Human Resources if they are unable to work as a result of a work-related injury/illness. Documentation of each medical appointment that includes the employee's work status must be submitted to the immediate supervisor and Human Resources after each appointment. Employees who are released to work by the physician are expected to return to work immediately.

Questions about UWF's workers' compensation program may be directed to April Sargent at (850) 474-2606, Jamie Sprague (850) 474 2156 or Fax: (850) 857 6030.