Report an Injury

Injured Employees: First Report of Injury (FROI) and Return to Work Steps

Employee:

Step 1) Medical Treatment

*If serious injury, do not wait to seek medical attention*

• Approved medical facilities
  • Purdue has chosen to use occupational medicine providers for worker's compensation because this medical specialty focuses specifically on work-related injuries. The occupational health clinics understand worker's compensation and the paperwork needed for processing claims. If you need to see a specialist, the occupational health clinic will refer you.

Note: Under the guidelines set by the state of Indiana, the employer has the right to choose the attending physician for treatment of on-the-job injuries.

Step 2) Documentation

• Notify supervisor of injury.
• Work with supervisor to complete and submit FROI as soon as possible, but not greater than 24 hours following injury.
• Work with your supervisor, Human Resources, EHS and JWF Specialty claims adjuster to provide additional documentation.

• • Medical release (when requested)

Step 3) Investigations

Claim Investigation

• There may be a need to investigate the details of your injury or illness to determine if it falls within the Worker’s Compensation Act.
• Communication with the JWF Specialty claims adjuster is vital to this process.

Incident Investigation

• Work with your supervisor to complete incident investigation.
• Help identify solutions to prevent reoccurrence.

Step 4) Returning to Work Following an Injury

• Employees must provide an updated work status note to their supervisor after every appointment until released from the medical provider.
• JWF Specialty claims adjuster will coordinate your follow-up medical appointments and care.
• Do not change your medical appointment without discussing this with the JWF Specialty claims adjuster.
• Employees are encouraged to discuss with their supervisor any problems or concerns regarding their restrictions.
• Employees must follow all restrictions provided by the medical provider at all times, this applies to both home and work.
• You may request a task evaluation. Contact the Purdue University Worker’s Compensation Administrator and/or EHS.

Research ^[1][2][3] has shown that early return to work enhances both psychological and physical recovery while minimizing the negative impact on an employee’s life.  Purdue University recognizes return to work as a win-win endeavor.

References:

1. Shaw, W., Nelson, C., Woiszwillo, M., Gaines, B., and Peters, S. (October 2018). “Early Return to Work Has Benefits for Relief of Back Pain and Functional Recovery After Controlling for Multiple Confounds”. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. doi: 1. 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001380.
2. Calley, D. and Buus, R. (2015). “Psychosocial Factors in Low Back Pain” (PDF). Minnesota Physical Therapy Association. Retrieved 14 April 2022.
3. Stay at Work/Return to Work Research & Publications. U.S Department of Labor. Retrieved 14 April 2022.

For questions regarding this process contact:

• Kristi Evans, EHS klevans@purdue.edu 765-494-1431
• Cindy Guy, HR guy3@purdue.edu 765-494-7388