Section 13: Workers’ Compensation Overview for NSHE Employees
Employees of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) are covered under workers’ compensation insurance for workplace injuries or illnesses. This program is administered by the NSHE Risk Management Office. Information below is high-level guidance and subject to change. Be sure to visit the NSHE Risk Management Worker’s Compensation and include current information in your Field Safety Plan. The most current information should be included with the plan as a backup in case cell service and internet access are unavailable. Be sure to include relevant information about the following:
Benefits
In most cases, benefits are awarded without regard to fault. Under an accepted claim, medical benefits may include medical treatment, surgery, and prescriptions.
Medical Treatment
Employees must seek medical treatment from an approved medical provider listed by NSHE, except in emergencies. List the providers closest to your field site in your Field Safety Plan. In case of emergency (life-threatening or severe injuries), employees should call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.
Include information about informing the physician about the work-related status of any injury/illness, completing the appropriate claim processing form (C-4), and requesting a doctor’s note to support work absences.
Workers’ compensation benefits are available to University of Nevada, Reno employees and registered volunteers. If students are injured while present for class credit rather than serving a work/research role, they should be directed to the Student Health Center or a healthcare provider of their choice for non-emergency treatment.
Injury Reporting Procedures
Include in your Field Safety Plan the OSHA-required timeframes for reporting injuries. Injuries requiring inpatient hospital admittance, amputation, or loss of an eye must be reported within 24 hours; fatalities must be reported within 8 hours. Injuries needing emergency care must be reported immediately to the employee’s supervisor or departmental contact. Supervisors are responsible for notifying Business Center North (BCN) Risk Management (risk@nshe.nevada.edu) and the Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) department if hospitalization or death occurs. Upon notification, EH&S will ensure compliance with OSHA-mandated timelines. Include contact information for the BCN Risk Management Office and EH&S. BCN Risk Management is available by phone during work hours, and EH&S can be contacted 24 hours a day at (775) 327-5040.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Include information about reporting all injuries (even those not requiring medical treatment), within seven days by submitting a C-1 Notice of Injury form. Employees working in the field should be trained on when and how to inform supervisors about workplace injuries or illnesses and where and how to submit a C-1 form.
Access the most current information and guidance on the NSHE workers’ compensation process through NSHE Risk Management.
Follow-up and Returning to Work
Include in your Field Safety Plan procedures for submitting certifications of work status to the appropriate parties after follow-up appointments. NSHE supports early return-to-work for employees recovering from work-related injuries or occupational diseases, where modified duties are medically appropriate to accelerate recovery. Include information from Risk Management for obtaining modified-duty assignments and returning to work.
Supervisor Responsibilities
Supervisors must ensure employees understand their rights and responsibilities regarding workers’ compensation claims. Supervisors must also assist with obtaining treatment, completing required forms and incident investigations, implementing corrective actions, and accommodating modified duty assignments. Include important supervisor timelines and procedures in your Field Safety Plan.