Work-Related Injuries/Workers' Compensation
West Chester University is committed to fostering a culture of safety for all employees and students. Reporting workplace injuries promotes a culture of accountability and prioritizes employee safety and well-being. It ensures employees receive the necessary medical care and benefits they may need and helps prevent future incidents by identifying hazards.
Reporting a Work-Related Injury
All injuries, regardless of severity, should be reported - even those where medical attention is not sought. Reporting all injuries ensures the incident is on record should medical attention be needed in the future. Timely reporting of all on-the-job injuries allows WCU to guide employees with initial treatment options and begin the claims process with our claims administrator. It also helps meet all reporting and compensability determination guidelines.
WCU should be kept informed of any injury so that workplace hazards can be eliminated to prevent further incidents.
If you are injured on the job, please notify your direct supervisor about the incident immediately. An Employee Report of Occupational Injury or Disease form must be completed and returned to the Office of Human Resources at benefits@wcupa.edu.
Employee Report of Occupational Injury or Disease Form
Human Resources will submit proper documentation to our claims administrator, INSERVCO, for compensation determination. If a workers' compensation claim is denied, the injury or illness could still potentially be a reason for a valid leave of absence. This situation would then be referred to the HR Leave Manager.
Workers' Compensation
The Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act provides reimbursement for reasonable medical care and, in specific cases, some wage replacement for employees who suffer an injury or illness arising in the course of his or her employment. Workers' compensation is a type of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their job.
Eligibility for Workers' Compensation
All West Chester University employees, including student workers, regardless of status (FT/PT, temporary or regular), are eligible for workers' compensation. The injury or illness must have occurred as a result of your work duties or a work-related event. Human Resources will work with employees and our claims administrator for compensation determination.
Seeking Medical Attention
For medical emergencies, call 911, Public Safety at 610-436-3311, or go directly to the emergency room. For non-emergencies, please refer to the Panel Listing choices.
Environmental Health and Safety
The Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) oversees the development and implementation of all environmental and occupational health and safety programs across West Chester University's campus, focusing on four key areas: Occupational Health and Safety, Fire Safety, Environmental Protection, and Laboratory and Research Safety.
The department conducts routine building inspections and monitors potential environmental exposures. As a service and support unit within Facilities, EHS also serves as the University's liaison with regulatory agencies in matters related to occupational and environmental health and safety.
Learn more about important EHS programs, initiatives, and resources on their website.