Regrettably employees on occasion become sick or injured through the course of the work they do. We make every effort to provide the safest work procedures, equipment, and materials that we can to do our work. We encourage employees to use accepted safe work practices at all times and provide safety training on programs such as chemicals, special equipment, bloodborne diseases, vehicle operation, etc.

On the occasion of an illness or an injury we take care of the employee first. If he/she is able, we report the injury to the supervisor and then send employee to Mercy Health Center (designated work comp medical provider in Manhattan; Stat Care in Salina) for care. If the employee is unable, we call for an ambulance.

When medical issues are under control, we ask employees to complete a University Standard Accidental Injury Report (PER-17) which can be obtained from the supervisor, personnel office, or safety office. It is very important that this form be completed in a timely manner, as benefits can be affected if notice is not made. If an employee needs assistance with the forms or procedures, please feel free to visit the Office of Training and Safety.

Following a visit to the hospital, we require that the employee return to the supervisor with the doctor's statement so that a determination can be made concerning employee's ability to return to work. We strive very hard to return employees to work as soon as possible to assure the highest rate of success.

There are many facets to the work compensation process and at times employees will receive mail and/or calls from the State Self Insurance office. The State Self Insurance Office is the sole determining authority for compensability of a claim. Employees frequently interact with a "case worker" from their office. Forms must be completed and returned and occasional questions come up regarding billing and details. Help is always available.

Human Resources also gets involved in the work comp process as they do the submission of KSU claims to State Self Insurance and process paperwork.

A Division of Facilities Safety Procedures Manual is available in every supervisor's work area. Please refer to it and ask questions when needed. Know the locations of your chemical material safety data sheets (MSDS) and read safety procedures prior to their use.