PSU Human Resources

Workers' Compensation

If an employee experiences an accidental injury, or occupational disease that qualifies for workers' compensation protections, medical and/or time loss benefits may be available through SAIF Corporation.

Injuries must be reported, even if you do not seek medical treatment.

Procedures for reporting an on-the-job injury or illness is outlined under our FAQs for Workers' Compensation below.

    Workers' Compensation FAQs

    What is Workers' Compensation insurance?

    • Workers’ Compensation insurance provides benefits for workers who have a work-related injury or illness. Workers don't pay premiums, co-payments or deductibles.
    • SAIF Corporation is our Workers’ Compensation insurance provider and we encourage you to visit their website for detailed information about these benefits.

    Who is covered by Workers’ Compensation insurance at PSU?

    • All paid employees including faculty, staff and student workers are covered by Workers’ Compensation insurance and are eligible to file a Workers’ Compensation claim if they are hurt at work.

    Who must report on-the-job injuries and illnesses?

    • ALL employees must report work-related injuries or occupational illnesses that occur on our campus (or in the course of job duties that occur off campus).

    As an employee, what do I do if I get hurt on the job?

    • If you get hurt at work, immediately report the injury/illness to your supervisor and, if necessary, seek medical treatment. Even if you do not seek medical treatment, you must report the injury/illness to your supervisor.
      • Fill out the PSU Injury Report Form with your supervisor. You complete the top portion of the PSU Injury Report and your supervisor completes the bottom portion.
      • You or your supervisor must immediately submit the completed form to Human Resources. PSU requires this form not only to meet legal reporting obligations, but because we want to prevent similar occurrences.
      • The form should be faxed to 503-725-5896 or emailed to askhrc@pdx.edu. The original should be sent via interoffice mail to HRC or hand-delivered to 1600 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 518.

    What if I need medical treatment for a work-related injury or illness?

    • You may receive medical treatment from the health care provider of your choice. If you need medical treatment, you must fill out a second form which is called the Report of Job Injury or Illness (SAIF 801 Form). You can visit the SAIF website to access the form.
      • You complete the top portion of the form and your supervisor completes the bottom.
      • You or your supervisor must immediately submit the completed PSU Injury Report and the completed SAIF 801 Form to Human Resources. Both forms should be faxed to 503-725-5896 or emailed to askhrc@pdx.edu. The original should be sent via interoffice mail to HRC or hand-delivered to 1600 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 518.

    As a supervisor, what do I do if one of my employees is injured on the job?

    • If one of your employees is injured, be sure to provide appropriate medical care or first aid. Then notify Human Resources
      • Next, fill out the PSU Injury Report
      • If the employee seeks medical attention, complete the SAIF 801 form in addition to the Injury Report.
      • If the injured worker is unable fill out his or her portion of the forms, ask Human Resources to help.
      • Forms should be faxed to 503-725-5896 or emailed to askhrc@pdx.edu. The original should be sent via interoffice mail to HRC or hand-delivered to 1600 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 518.

    Tips

    • Prompt reporting shows that you are concerned for your employee.
    • PSU is required to submit forms to SAIF right away (same day when possible).
    • If the completed forms are not immediately forwarded to Human Resources and the worker decides later to file a claim with SAIF, the worker may have difficulty providing his or her case.

    How will I know if a Workers' Compensation claim has been accepted or denied?

    • After your supervisor submits the completed forms to Human Resources, the forms are immediately forwarded to SAIF. Generally, you will know if your claim has been accepted or denied within 60 days of the date SAIF receives your forms. When they reach a decision, SAIF will notify you. If your claim is denied, you will be given a specific amount of time to appeal the decision.

    What are my rights and responsibilities if I file a claim for Workers’ Compensation?

    • SAIF lists your rights and responsibilities on this page on their website. Not meeting your responsibilities may cause your claim to be delayed or denied.

    What expenses will Workers' Compensation insurance cover?

    • For accepted work-related injuries, Workers' Compensation insurance pays for medical treatment related to the accepted condition and lost wages beyond the first three days (if authorized by the attending physician or authorized nurse practitioner). Injured workers also may be entitled to payments for permanent disability, travel expenses to seek treatment for the accepted condition, reinstatement to their former job or, if necessary, vocational assistance. For a summary of Workers' Compensation benefits visit SAIF’s website.

    Can I be charged for medical treatment if I am on Workers' Compensation?

    • There are circumstances where you may be required to pay for medical treatment. Please refer to the Worker Guide on SAIF’s website for information related to Workers' Compensation and medical bills.

    What if I am not able to return to work right away?

    • If you cannot return to work right away due to physical restrictions or constraints, SAIF will work with your attending physician (or authorized nurse practitioner) to assist in returning you to a transitional job whenever possible. For more information please refer to SAIF’s website.

    What if I miss time from work due to my injury, will I be paid?

    • If your injuries require you to miss work, you may be eligible for temporary disability benefits (also called time loss benefits) if your attending physician authorizes you to be away from work.

    What if I still have questions about Workers' Compensation?

    • If you have questions about Workers' Compensation or have had an on-the-job injury or illness, you may contact Human Resources at 503-725-4926 or visit SAIF’s website or call them at 800-285-8525.

    Tips for Reporting Leave While on Workers' Compensation

    Workers Compensation will pay up to ⅔ of your normal weekly wage for any time loss due to your work related injury. For all hours that you expect to be paid through SAIF as part of your Workers Compensation you will need to indicate LW3 - Leave Without Pay on your Monthly Leave Reporting.

    If you are working reduced hours due to your work related injury you will need to report the hours worked and leave the portion that you did not work as LW3 - Leave Without Pay. SAIF will compensate you for ⅔ of your pay for the time lost from your normal work schedule.

    If you receive time loss payments through SAIF and also paid through PSU by using LTS - Sick Leave Taken or other paid leave such as LTV - Vacation Leave Taken and LTP - Personal Leave Taken (LTP) when sick leave is exhausted, you are doubled paid. An adjustment using LW3 - Leave Without Pay on your next paycheck is made to reduce your wages to correct for the double pay. The paid leave used will be credited back to your leave balances for the time that was double paid. Sick leave or other paid leave is used to equal the difference between the time loss payment by SAIF and the employee’s regular salary rate. Employees cannot receive more than 100% of their pay while on a claim.

    If your Time Loss is more than 7 days your leave may be designated as FMLA. If that is the case, any time missed due to your work related illness/injury will be counted against your FMLA entitlement.

    There is a three day waiting period for any claim. During this period you can use your own leaves balances (Sick Leave, Vacation Leave, etc.). SAIF issues pay every two weeks.

    For a useful sample of how time loss is paid please review SAIF’s Time Loss Calculator.

    For more specific questions on your claim and how and when it will be paid out please reach out to your SAIF Claims Adjuster or review the SAIF Time Loss Benefits Page.

    Resources for Information