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.
Updated HR Policy (April 2023)
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.
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 1166
Lexington SC 29071
Phone: (803) 896-5800
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
If the employee is out of work due to an injury or illness for three or more consecutive workdays, the time will generally be applied as leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). An employee who needs a workplace accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of their job due to an ADA qualifying medical condition may contact the Office of Human Resources at HRHelp@winthrop.edu.
An employee who has received medical treatment for a work-related injury or illness may return to work only when authorized in writing by the treating physician. Supervisors may not authorize an employee to return from a Workers’ Compensation-related absence without approval from Environmental Health and Safety. Likewise, supervisors may not authorize an employee to return from FMLA or ADA medical-related leave without the approval from Human Resources. If the treating physician restricts an employee’s activities, Human Resources will engage in an interactive discussion with the employee to consider any possible reasonable accommodations to return the employee to work as soon as possible. The injured worker’s supervisor is responsible for ensuring work restrictions are being followed.
Section 8-11-145 of the SC 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 university workers’ compensation administrator if necessary 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.
Let’s work together to make Winthrop University a safer place to work. If you would like additional training information on health illness prevention please contact the EHS staff.
