Worker's Compensation

Guilford County Schools provides an approved Workers' Compensation program providing medical, lost work time, partial and permanent disability benefits resulting from work-related injuries and illnesses. The District provides this coverage to all personnel without cost, in compliance with the law.

Workers' Compensation Immediate Instructions 

If an employee sustains a work-related injury that requires emergency medical treatment:

1. Go directly to the hospital or if needed, call emergency medical services by dialing 911.
2. Accompany the injured employee.
3. Contact the Benefits Department immediately.

Benefits Department
(336) 370-8348

  Please provide:

1. The injured employee's name and regular work location
2. Time and location of injury
3. The apparent type of injury
4. Where the employee is being transported to treatment
   
   A Form 19, (First Notice of Injury) should be completed within 24 hours. If the Illness or accident required three (3) or more employees to require transport to the hospital, the Benefits Office must know immediately.

Work-related Death Reporting

During Business Hours
Benefits Department     (336) 370-8348

After Hours
Adrienne Friddle   friddlea@gcsnc.com North Carolina Department of Labor (800) 625-2267

The District is required to report to OSHA hospitalizations of three or more employees as well as a work-related fatality within 8 hours.

Should an injury occur resulting in the death of an employee, the supervisor/designated department representative shall immediately report the death to: the Department of Labor at (800) 625-2267.

Non-emergencies

Medical Attention: If an employee is injured and requires non-emergency medical treatment, the employee must immediately report the accident to the supervisor/designated site representative who should immediately report the claim to the Benefits Department at workerscompensation@gcsnc.com. The District has identified approved providers for medical care. Employees should NOT go to their personal physician. Employees who disregard this instruction may lose compensation benefits for that care. 

Every employee should receive a "Pre-Authorization" Form with a list of approved medical providers. The Pre-Authorization Form should be taken by the employee to one of the providers and is valid for the initial assessment/treatment visit. Additional treatment, if necessary, is authorized by the appropriate Workers’ Compensation carrier. For treatment beyond the initial care, unauthorized changing of doctors treating on-the-job injuries/illnesses is NOT permitted. However, if a change in doctor is desired, employees should contact the Workers’ Compensation carrier for approval prior to treatment.  

The Treasurer or designee should complete a First Report of Injury or Illness Form (Form 19) and submit it within 24 hours to Precious Batts at battsp@gcsnc.com.  All injuries are required to be reported regardless of whether medical attention is/was required. 

Change of Doctor: For treatment beyond the initial care, unauthorized changing of doctors treating on-the-job injuries/illnesses is NOT permitted. However, if a change in doctor is desired, employees should contact the Workers’ Compensation carrier for approval prior to treatment. 

Compensation: There is a seven (7) day waiting period before Workers’ Compensation pays for a covered absence. The seven (7) day waiting period includes weekends and holidays. The rate is 66 2/3% of base salary.

Absences or Work Restrictions: Employees should inform the principal/supervisor if the treating doctor has recommended restricted duty or work leave. Follow the medical recommendations of the treating doctor regarding lost work time, exercise, medication, medical care, etc. If unable to perform work duties for an extended period of time, report to the full-time principal/supervisor on a frequent basis regarding health status and availability for work. Provide the supervisor with a return-to-work note from the treating doctor upon return to work. Report the use of prescription drugs which may impair their ability to perform their job duties.  

Release to Return to Work: Every employee who has received lost work time compensation will provide his/her principal/supervisor or designee with a return-to-work slip authorization from the treating doctor upon return to work. A copy of this form should be forwarded to Precious Batts, Benefits Department. It may become advisable not to return an employee to former job duties following a work-related injury or illness. When this occurs, the Benefits Department will review each situation to make a determination regarding continued employment. Guilford County Schools will take no action adverse to employment because an employee has filed a legitimate claim for Workers' Compensation benefits. 

Employee's Responsibilities  

1. Inform the principal/supervisor if the treating doctor has recommended restricted duty or work leave.
2. Follow the medical recommendations of the treating doctor regarding lost work time, exercise, medication, medical care, etc.
3. If unable to perform work duties for an extended period of time, report to the full-time principal/supervisor on a frequent basis regarding health status and availability for work.
4. Provide their supervisor with a return-to-work note from the treating doctor upon return to work.
5. Report the use of prescription drugs which may impair their ability to perform their job duties.

 Supervisor's Responsibilities

Instruct employees under the direction of the proper procedures for reporting on-the-job accidents and obtaining medical treatment.

• Inform employees of their responsibilities under the Workers' Compensation program.
• Maintain the first aid kit supplies and log used for minor injuries.
• Take corrective action to prevent reoccurrence.
• Record lost work-time and report to the Benefits Department.
• Coordinate the individual's return to light duty work, as approved by the treating doctor.