Butte School District

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

5337

Workers' Compensation Benefits

All employees of the District are covered by Workers’ Compensation benefits. In the event of an industrial accident, an employee should:

1. Attend to first aid and/or medical treatment, if emergency prevails;
2. Correct or report as needing correction the hazardous situation as soon as possible after the emergency is stabilized;
3. Report the injury or disabling condition (whether actual or possible) to the immediate supervisor within forty-eight (48) hours, on the Employer’s First Report of Occupational Injury or Disease; and
4. Call or visit the administrative office after medical treatment, if needed, to complete the necessary report of accident and injury, the Occupational Injury or Disease Form.

The administrator will notify the immediate supervisor of the report and will include the immediate supervisor in completing the report as required.

An employee injured in an industrial accident may be eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits. By law, use of sick leave must be coordinated with receipt of Workers’ Compensation benefits on a case-by-case basis by contacting the Workers’ Compensation Division, Department of Labor and Industry.

The District will not automatically and simply defer to a report of industrial accident but will investigate as it deems appropriate to determine: (1) whether continuing hazardous conditions exist which need to be eliminated; and (2) whether in fact an accident attributable to the District’s working environment did occur as reported. The District may require the employee to authorize the employee’s physician to release pertinent medical information to the District or to a physician of the District’s choice, should an actual claim be filed against the Workers’ Compensation Division, which could result in additional fees levied against the District.

Butte School District No. 1 will establish an Early Return to Work Program or Fit for Work Program, which will be applied to Workers Compensation, ill or injured employees and whenever appropriate for non-work related injured employees.

The goals of the Butte School District Early Return to Work program are:

1. Foster and enhance the physical and psychological recovery for injured workers.
2. Reduce medical disability and lost time costs.
3. Reduce indirect accident costs.
4. Minimize the chance of re-injury.
5. Encourage cooperation between employees and management.
6. Establish a more stable workforce.
7. Enhance the injured employee’s sense of confidence and well being.

The employee that is eligible to return to work early may be temporarily assigned to an area outside of their classification, work reduced hours, or work different shifts until they are ready to return to full duty.

Any employee that is eligible to return to work early and refuses will no longer be eligible for workers compensation payment for lost time.

Legal Reference:    
§§ 39-71-101, et seq., MCA  Workers’ Compensation Act

Policy History:
Adopted on: 10/18/04
Revised on:12/17/12