Reporting an Injury - First Report of Injury – Worker’s Compensation

Issue/Question

An employee is injured on the job. How should it be reported?

Environment

• Workplace injury
• Online First Report of Injury
• Worker’s Compensation

Cause

An employee has sustained an injury while on the job. Employee may be defined as a student worker, a temporary or seasonal employee, faculty or staff.

• Worker’s Compensation is managed by the company Risk Administration Services, Inc (RAS). It is important to report injuries within 3 days of the injury, or coverage may be denied. 
• Volunteers may be covered if the department completed a volunteer form and submitted it to Human Resources. In the event a volunteer form was not properly submitted, the department may have to cover medical bills out of their budget.
• Students or visitors who are injured while on campus should file a report with the University Police Department. They do not complete a first report of injury.

Resolution

1. If required, seek medical treatment immediately
   • Do not wait to seek medical attention in the event of an emergency
   • Be sure to indicate to the health care provider that the injury occurred while on the job
2. The employee or the supervisor should complete the First Report of Injury within 3 days of the event by calling 888-585-5075. More information can be found at the link below:
   • https://bhr.sd.gov/benefits/workers-comp/
3. When the employee calls, they will speak directly to a licensed nurse and the employee will be assigned a claim number and be assigned a RAS representative. Employees should record and keep the claim number for future reference.
4. This phone line is available 24 hours 7 days a week to initiate the First Report of Injury or to answer any questions regarding a previous claim.
5. An electronic report will be generated and will be sent to USD Human Resources from Risk Administration Services, Inc. (RAS).
6. If treatment was sought, the claim number should be provided to the health care provider for worker’s compensation billing. 
   • The employee should submit any medical bills to Risk Administration Services, Inc. (RAS)
   • You can contact your assigned RAS Claim representative at 888-585-5075 or forward the bill, via email, to claimscsr@rascompanies.com
7. If a benefit eligible employee misses assigned work shifts, they may use accrued sick or annual leave to receive a paycheck until the worker’s compensation outcome is determined.
   • When and if Risk Administration Services, Inc. (RAS) makes a payment for worker’s compensation, the appropriate balance of leave will be returned to the employee.
   • Absences may also be covered by Family Medical Leave job protections.