What to do if you have an on-the-job accident
Worksite accidents and injuries can occur in spite of everyone's best efforts. Although we all hope that we won't be involved in an on-the-job accident, it could happen. If it does, there are some procedures to follow to assure that you receive prompt and adequate medical care, as well as income for lost time due to the injury.
The Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) Risk Management Division is responsibile for administering the Worker's Compensation program for state employees. CMS, in turn, has contracted with another organization - CARESYS - to receive accident reports. CARESYS monitors and evaluates the care received by the injured employee to assure appropriate treatment and optimal return to work.
At the local level, Ms. Jeni Baston from Human Resources is the campus Workers' Compensation coordinator. She is responsible for assisting employees in the proper submission of reports and medical bills to CMS. Her office is located at 805 S. Elizabeth St. and her phone number is 453-6690.
In order to receive benefits to which you may be entitled, the following procedures must be followed:
Report your accident immediately by calling 1-800-773-3221 or 217-785-4197. This is the number for CARESYS' early intervention 24-hour hotline.
- Notify your supervisor.
- Notify the Workers' Compensation Coordinator, Ms. Jeni Batson, at 453-6690 and the Plant & Service Operations Payroll Office at 453-6794 or 453-2027 with detailed information concerning the accident. If you are unable to do so, a coworker or supervisor may make these calls for you.
- If you have an emergency, go to the nearest hospital emergency room. If you require medical treatment and it is not an emergency, contact your primary care physician and/or SIU Health Services.
- If you get medical attention, Human Resources will mail you a Workers' Compensation claim packet. You should have the proper individuals complete all forms, and the packet must be returned to Ms. Batson as soon as possible. Without the completed packet, CMS will not consider payment of medical bills you have incurred as a result of your accident.
- If you do not require medical attention, you may report your accident to CARESYS as an 'incident only' and you will not receive a claim packet. However, if medical treatment is necessary later, you must contact CARESYS for follow-up and Ms. Batson for the claim packet.
- If your doctor says you cannot perform your job duties, it is imperative that you contact Ms. Batson immediately and present to her all off-duty slips.
Keep in mind the guidelines of your group insurance carrier for all medical treatment. If CMS determines that your claim is not compensable, you may need to submit the claims to your HMO or to the Quality Care Health Plan. That is why you should work through your primary care physician and obtain any referrals or pre-certification required by your plan.