Policy Number:         734

Date Effective:          02/01/1995

Date Revised:           06/26/2003

References:              HRS Procedures; Board of Regents Policy

POLICY

The University of Montana administers workers’ compensation in accordance with applicable Montana State law, Board of Regents policies and collective bargaining agreements.  It is the policy of the University to provide and promote a safe and healthy work environment for all employees to foster a positive atmosphere for learning and the educational process.  Accidents will be viewed as lapses in our ability to accomplish this. Safety, health and wellness efforts will focus on prevention of accidents and illness. Each Department, manager, supervisor and individual employee will be held accountable for safety and health efforts as a part of their performance review.

All units of the Montana University System are required to provide Modified Duty or Early Return To Work (ERTW) opportunities for all employees with temporary physical restrictions identified by the treating physician.  This policy reflects a commitment to assisting injured workers as soon as possible.

PROCEDURE

During the initial orientation period, each employee will be informed of the University’s emphasis on safety and the individual employee’s responsibility for safety.  This will include information regarding workers’ compensation coverage, accident reporting, accident investigation procedures and injury monitoring and mitigation efforts.  Supervisors shall have the responsibility of requiring safe work practices for their employees.

Each faculty or staff member must report any accident or injury immediately to his/her supervisor and complete the "Employer's First Report of Injury" as appropriate.  Unless precluded by emergency medical treatment, this should be accomplished prior to the end of the workday and sent to Environmental Health and Occupational Safety (EHOS). The University's copy of the injury report will be kept on file in the EHOS and additional claim forms may be obtained there.

Medical Intervention

Injured faculty or staff who require medical attention must notify their supervisor of such treatment as soon as possible, whether or not the injured faculty or staff has actually returned to normal duties. Such notification is to include the name of the medical provider.

Supervisors shall notify EHOS immediately upon their notification by the employee. EHOS will determine the work status of the injured person. 

Supervisor Responsibilities

As soon as First Aid or additional medical treatment has been administered, the supervisor shall thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the incident/accident. The investigation should address all factors bearing upon the incident and include input from any witnesses.  Every attempt should be made to focus upon the root causes of the incident.

The supervisor will report the investigation facts and results via "the University of Montana Supervisor's Accident Investigation Report." Special emphasis is needed in identifying corrective actions to be taken to prevent recurrence and the responsible individuals for such action. The supervisor’s manager must then review the completed investigation report and forward a copy to the EHOS.