Workers’ Compensation: What You Need to Know

An employee injured on the job and placed on workers’ compensation leave will require a physician’s statement to return to work. A previously injured employee may fall into the following return-to-work categories:

• An employee who has reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) and will return to their original or similar position held prior to injury
• An employee who has not reached MMI but is able to return to work with restrictions. The department should provide transitional work to employees who fall into this category.
• An employee who has reached MMI but has received a disability that prohibits the individual from holding their previous position. For those in this category, the employer should attempt to place the employee in a position that is similar to the previous position.

The employee must:

1. Report all injury incidents to the supervisor immediately, no later than 30 days after the occurrence.
2. Notify the University Workers' Compensation Administrator (WCA) and complete the injury form.  
3. Seek medical treatment at a university-authorized medical facility (Concentra Medical Facility). In case of a life-threatening emergency, contact Campus Police and seek treatment at the nearest emergency room. A life-threatening injury or illness is one that can result in death. Examples of life-threatening injuries or illnesses are head and spinal cord trauma, cardiac emergencies, abdominal trauma, heat stroke, respiratory disease, prolonged unconsciousness, uncontrolled bleeding, severe burns and electrocution.
4. Employees are required to return to work after the appointment to update their supervisor on their medical status. If the doctor states that you should not return to your work duties, this statement must be reflected in the medical documentation. If you do not return to work as indicated by the authorized treating provider, your absence will be considered unauthorized.
5. Depending upon the injury, the authorized treating provider may place work restrictions on your duties. The supervisor should try to provide transitional duty within reason in accordance with the restrictions. You must comply with the doctor’s recommendations. If transitional duty is not available, the supervisor should contact the University Workers’ Compensation Administrator for assistance. You are obligated to accept any suitable employment provided it is in keeping with your capability. Refusal to accept suitable employment may result in termination of compensation and may result in dismissal.
6. The employee should communicate regularly with the supervisor and provide an update on the work status.

The supervisor or manager must:

1. Work to maintain a safe working environment for employees, students and visitors

2. Report workplace injuries promptly to the University workers’ compensation administrator

3. Report and investigate all accidents to minimize further occurrences

4. Complete and sign the “Supervisor Statement Form." The “Supervisor Statement Form” and the “Employee Statement Form” must be returned at one time to the workers’ compensation administrator within 24 hours.

5. Comply with the State of North Carolina's mandatory Return to Work Program

Note: Supervisors do not have the authority to authorize medical treatment. That is the sole responsibility of the workers’ compensation administrator or their designee.

The workers' compensation administration will:

1. Review the Employee and Supervisor Incident or Accident Report

2. Submit the Employee and Supervisor Incident or Accident Report to the third-party administrator

3. Place the report on the shared drive and email a copy of the report to [email protected] within 24–48 hours

4. The EHS director must review the Supervisor Statement Form to ensure corrective action has been taken and then sign the form.

Scope and Purpose

Workers’ Compensation is part of the Risk Management Office (RMO) in the Office of Business and Financial Planning at North Carolina Central University.

We provide assistance to employees who sustain work-related injuries and/or contract occupational diseases while carrying out the duties and responsibilities of their employment. In addition, we act as the liaison between the University, the employee and the third-party administrator. We work to help get the employee back on his or her feet and back to work.

Workers’ Compensation

Under the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act, an injury is covered under workers’ compensation if it was caused by an accident or incident that arose out of and in the course of employment.

Who Is Covered under Workers’ Compensation?

All University employees are covered, including full-time faculty, staff (EPA and SPA) and part-time, temporary (excluding those who are contracted through temporary agencies) and student employees.

What Are Employees Entitled to under Workers’ Compensation?

With an accepted Workers’ Compensation Claim, an employee may receive medical treatment, payment of medical bills and disability compensation.

If an injury that requires medical treatment occurs, the employee must adhere to the following:

1. It is the employee’s responsibility to report any work-related injury or illness to their supervisor and the workers’ compensation administrator or designee immediately.
2. Employees must obtain a medical authorization form from the workers’ compensation administrator. This is required in order to receive medical treatment. Note: Failure to obtain a medical authorization form prior to treatment or failure to seek treatment from the authorized medical facility may result in the injured employee being held responsible for unauthorized medical treatment.

3. Medical Treatment must be sought at Concentra Medical Facility, the University’s authorized medical facility. Concentra is located at the following address:

   4104 Surles Court, Suite 11
   Durham, NC 27707
   919-941-1911
   
   Hours: Monday–Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed on Saturday and Sunday.

4. Complete, sign and return the “Employee Statement Form” to your supervisor within 24 hours of injury.

5. It is the responsibility of the employee to notify the supervisor or manager and the workers’ compensation administrator or designee of all future medical appointments associated with their injury.

If no medical treatment is required, the employee should still complete the “Employee Statement Form” and submit it to the workers’ compensation administrator within 24 hours.

Fraudulent Claims

All reported claims may be investigated. Any person(s) filing a false workers’ compensation claim may be subject to prosecution.

Injuries after Normal Business Hours

Employees injured after normal business hours should seek medical treatment for life-threatening injuries at the nearest emergency room.

Employees whose injuries are non-life-threatening should seek medical treatment at Concentra Medical Facility.

Life-Threatening vs. Non-Life-Threatening Injuries or Illnesses

A life-threatening injury or illness is one that can result in death. Examples include (but are not limited to):

• Respiratory distress
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Prolonged unconsciousness
• Severe burns or electrocution
• Severe injuries from traffic accidents, head injuries or significant falls

Non-life-threatening injuries include:

• Minor burns or cuts
• Sprains or strains
• Broken bones
• Animal bites
• Allergic reactions (non-life threatening)

Remember that these are general guidelines. If there is any doubt, please call 911.

Office of Business and Financial Planning
Shepard Administration Building
1801 Fayetteville St.
Durham, NC 27712

Phone: 919-530-5060
Email: [email protected]

The Employee and Supervisors workers’ compensation handbooks can be accessed from the Office of State Human Resources.

OSHR Employee Handbook:

https://oshr.nc.gov/workers-compensation-employee-handbook

OSHR Supervisor’s Handbook:

https://oshr.nc.gov/workers-compensation-supervisors-handbook