All employees of the university are protected while on duty by a Workers' Compensation Program administered by the State Accident Fund (SAF). Medical case management is provided by Compendium Services., Inc., through a contractual agreement with SAF. Workers' compensation claims are filed electronically by Compendium Services in response to the submission of a First Report of Injury.
Questions regarding the workers' compensation plan or reporting procedures should be directed to Katharyne Tedford, Workers' Compensation Administrator, at 803/323-2392 or tedfordk@winthrop.edu.
When an injury or illness is determined by SAF to be work-related, the employee's medical expenses including prescription drugs and mileage for doctor's visits in excess of 10 miles per round-trip may be paid. An employee may also be eligible for temporary payroll benefits if they become disable due to a work-related injury or illness and cannot work.
Employees should report all injuries and work-related illnesses to their supervisor no matter how minor they may seem at the time. An employee who fails to report an injury or work-related illness may risk being denied benefits by SAF should medical treatment be needed at a later time.
For treatment authorization and case management:
Compendium Services, Inc.
Phone: 877/709-2667
Fax: 877/710-2667
For billing and payment information:
State Accident Fund
P.O. Box 102100
Columbia, SC 29221-5000
Phone: 800/521-6576
For verification of employment and insurance coverage:
Winthrop University
Environmental Health and Safety
Katharyne Tedford
Phone: 803/323-2392
Cell: 803/207-1052
Fax: 803/323-2426
tedfordk@winthrop.edu
Winthrop University
Human Resources
Phone: 803/323-2273
Return to Work
An employee who has received medical treatment for an injury or work-related illness may return to work only when authorized in writing by the treating physician to return to full duty. Full duty is defined as being able to perform all job functions as described in the employee’s position description without restriction or limitation. If the treating physician restricts an employee’s activities, but the specific restrictions do not impact job performance, the employee may return to work. However, if the restricted activities limit the employee’s ability to perform at full duty, the employee may not be allowed to return to work until the restrictions are lifted and he/she presents a doctor’s written statement to that effect. Winthrop University does not provide light or limited duty assignments. Potential ADA issues arising because of an injury or work-related illness should be addressed by Human Resources.
Election of Compensation Method
Section 8-11-145 of the S.C. Code of Laws provides that, in the event of an accidental injury or work-related illness arising out of and in the course of employment with the State, a disabled employee shall make an election to receive compensation under one of the following options:
The effect of each available option on the employee’s future leave can be explained to the employee by the workers’ compensation administrator before the election of method is made. The election shall be in writing and signed by the employee and the person who explains the options. The election of the employee is irrevocable as to each individual accident or work-related illness. Regardless of which method of disability compensation an employee elects, he/she would continue to be eligible for payment of medical costs provided by the State Accident Fund.