Even if emergency services are not required following an on-the-job injury, your company is not off the hook. You are still responsible for treating the employee fairly.
However, as always, procedures put in place before work-related injuries occur, aid supervisors in following and properly documenting the chain of events.
Seven Steps To Follow When Emergency Services Are Not Required
1. Direct the employee to preferred medical providers where statutorily permitted.
2. Work Ability Form (WAF) must accompany the employee.
3. The treating physician must sign and return WAF to the supervisor within 24 hours of treatment.
4. The employee also brings the Transitional Assignment Form (TAF) to the physician.
5. Physician must complete and sign TAF.
6. Employee must return TAF to supervisor within 24 hours of treatment.
7. The supervisor then faxes TAF to injury coordinator and works with injury coordinator to assign an appropriate transitional duty position to injured worker.
Author: Robert Elliott, J.D.
Click on these links to try it for yourself.
WC Calculator: www.ReduceYourWorkersComp.com/calculator.php
TD Calculator: www.ReduceYourWorkersComp.com/transitional-duty-cost-calculator.php
WC 101: www.ReduceYourWorkersComp.com/workers_comp.php
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws are different. Consult with your corporate legal counsel before implementing any cost containment programs.
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