9.01 Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Effective Date: November 1, 2014 (Revised)

Policy:

The College provides insurance for employees who are injured or become ill due to employment-related circumstances. This policy outlines the procedures to follow in the event of such an illness or injury.

Procedure:

Employees of Trinity College are covered by Workers’ Compensation insurance in accordance with Connecticut law on their date of hire. Those who are injured or become ill as a result of their employment with the College receive partial income replacement during the period they are unable to work. They also receive full coverage for medical expenses incurred because of the injury or illness.

If an employee is injured at work he or she must:

• Notify his or her supervisor immediately (or as soon as possible following the incident). An incident report must be filled out and forwarded to Human Resources. This is necessary to ensure prompt reporting of the claim and for the issuance of a claim number.
• Use a medical provider who is a member of The Hartford’s Managed Care Network — a list of providers is available from Campus Safety, the Health Center or Human Resources or by visiting the following webpage — , and clicking on quick links and then medical provider lookup.
• In the event of a life-threatening situation, an employee should proceed to the nearest hospital or emergency room. Payment of claims will not be forfeited in such instances.

All bills resulting from work-related injury or illness are submitted to The Hartford. At the time of treatment, employees should inform healthcare providers that the visit is work-related so that charges can be billed correctly.

If an employee is injured at work, the College pays regular base pay for the day of occurrence. Subsequent time off for approved claims is paid by the insurance carrier according to state regulations.

During periods of disability, the College continues to contribute its normal share towards medical and/or dental insurance premiums, as well as other applicable insurances such as life and long-term disability. The employee is required to pay their regular portion of the premium each month in order to ensure that coverage remains in effect. Human Resources works with Accounting Services and Payroll to ensure that the employee is notified if a payment is due. Contributions by the employee and the College to the retirement plan are suspended during Workers Compensation leaves of absence.

Employees may not use sick, vacation or personal time while receiving Workers’ Compensation payments while unable to work. Time away from work will be counted as leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) if the service requirements for FMLA have been met. Employees will be required to complete the necessary paperwork for FMLA in a timely manner, and ensure that a Certification is received from the attending physician.

If possible, an employee returning from Workers’ Compensation will be returned to the position formerly held. However, the College cannot guarantee this, especially after an extended leave. However, employees will be reinstated to a comparable position either within the same department, or given consideration for comparable assignments for which they are qualified.

Costs

The College pays the full cost.

Termination of Coverage

Employees are covered for any accident or illness that takes place while actively employed by the College.

See the following policies for additional relevant information:

7.10 Family and Medical Leaves of Absence 208