922 - Occupational Disease and Work-Related Injury Reporting
922.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance regarding the timely reporting of occupational diseases, mental health issues, and work-related injuries.
922.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Occupational disease or work-related injury — An injury, disease, or mental health issue arising out of employment (Labor Code § 3208; Labor Code § 3208.3; Labor Code § 3212 et seq.).
922.2 POLICY
The Hartwell County Sheriff’s Department will address occupational diseases and work-related injuries appropriately, and will comply with applicable state workers’ compensation requirements (Labor Code § 3200 et seq.).
922.3 RESPONSIBILITIES
922.3.1 MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES
Any member sustaining any occupational disease or work-related injury shall report such event as soon as practicable, but within 24 hours, to a supervisor, and shall seek medical care when appropriate (8 CCR 14300.35).
922.3.2 SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
A supervisor learning of any occupational disease or work-related injury should ensure the member receives medical care as appropriate.
Supervisors shall ensure that required documents regarding workers’ compensation are completed and forwarded promptly. Any related Countywide disease- or injury-reporting protocol shall also be followed.
Supervisors shall determine whether the Major Incident Notification and Illness and Injury Prevention policies apply and take additional action as required.
922.3.3 DIVISION COMMANDER RESPONSIBILITIES
The Division Commander who receives a report of an occupational disease or work-related injury should review the report for accuracy and determine what additional action should be taken. The report shall then be forwarded to the Sheriff, the County’s risk management entity, and the Administrative Bureau to ensure any required Division of Occupational Health and Safety Administration (Cal/OSHA) reporting is made as required in the illness and injury prevention plan identified in the Illness and Injury Prevention Policy.
922.3.4 SHERIFF RESPONSIBILITIES
The Sheriff shall review and forward copies of the report to the Department of Human Resources. Copies of the report and related documents retained by the Office shall be filed in the member’s confidential medical file.
922.4 OTHER DISEASE OR INJURY
Diseases and injuries caused or occurring on-duty that do not qualify for workers’ compensation reporting shall be documented on the designated report of injury form, which shall be signed by a supervisor. A copy of the completed form shall be forwarded to the appropriate Division Commander through the chain of command and a copy sent to the Administrative Bureau.
Unless the injury is extremely minor, this report shall be signed by the affected member, indicating that he/she desired no medical attention at the time of the report. By signing, the member does not preclude his/her ability to later seek medical attention.
922.5 ABSENCE DUE TO WORK RELATED INJURY OR ILLNESS
If employee is unable to perform their full duties after seeking medical treatment, then the County is willing and able to accommodate their limitations. To accommodate the employee's limitations, the treating physician needs to indicate what the limitations are in writing. The department will attempt to accommodate the employee in their current position for two to three weeks by modifying their current job tasks. However, if the employee is unable to perform their regular job tasks, then the County will accommodate them in a Bridge Assignment.
922.6 SETTLEMENT OFFERS
When a member sustains an occupational disease or work-related injury that is caused by another person and is subsequently contacted by that person, his/her agent, insurance company or attorney and offered a settlement, the member shall take no action other than to submit a written report of this contact to his/her supervisor as soon as possible.
922.6.1 NO SETTLEMENT WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL
No less than 10 days prior to accepting and finalizing the settlement of any third-party claim arising out of or related to an occupational disease or work-related injury, the member shall provide the Sheriff with written notice of the proposed terms of such settlement. In no case shall the member accept a settlement without first providing written notice to the Sheriff. The purpose of such notice is to permit the County to determine whether the offered settlement will affect any claim the County may have regarding payment for damage to equipment or reimbursement for wages against the person who caused the disease or injury, and to protect the County's right of subrogation, while ensuring that the member's right to receive compensation is not affected.
Personal Appearance Standards