Which federal workers compensation law covers postal workers?
What is the DFEC program?
How long does OWCP have to process a CA 7?
How do I submit my OWCP 957?
What is Ecomp system?
What does an insurance carrier not do after it receives the first report of injury quizlet?
How long after an injury can you claim compensation?
How do I fill out CA-7?
How do you calculate a schedule award?
Which form should always be used in completing a workers compensation claim form?
What is a OWCP number?
How do I fill out a ca 1 form?
What is the email address for OWCP?
If you have questions relative to OWCP, please email [email protected] .
What is DFEC in the postal service?
Within the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP), the Division of Federal Employees’ Compensation (DFEC) is responsible for processing claims filed by Postal Service employees. The DFEC Web site provides very useful information regarding the claims process. Particularly useful are their publications “Questions and Answers About the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (CA 550), and Injury Compensation for Federal Employees (CA-810).
What is FECA in the postal system?
The Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) provides wage loss compensation and medical benefits to postal and federal employees who become injured or ill as a result of their duties.
How long does it take to get a notice of injury?
TIMELINESS Federal agencies are required by regulation to submit an employee's Notice of Injury (Form CA-1 or CA-2) within 10 working days (or 14 calendar days) of receiving it from an employee, if lost time from work or medical expenses are claimed or anticipated [20 CFR 10.110 (a)].
What is OWCP in employment?
In appropriate cases, OWCP provides assistance in arranging for reassignment to lighter duties in cooperation with the employing agency. In addition, injured employees have certain other specified rights under the jurisdiction of the Office of Personnel Management, such as reemployment rights if the disability has been overcome within one year.
What does OWCP not want you to know?
NOTE: OWCP uses the AMA Guides 6th Edition. If you have ever been injured at work or you suffer any type of medical problem that affects your job or employment then you may be aware of the problems that confront you in regard to filing workman's compensation claims and forms.
What to do if you lose your CA 7?
If you continue to lose pay after the dates claimed on Form CA-7, submit Forms CA-8 Claim for Continuing Compensation on Account of Disability, through your employer to claim additional compensation until you return to work or until OWCP advises they are no longer needed. You are not required to use your sick or annual leave before you claim compensation.
What are the duties of a letter carrier?
OFFICE DUTIES: As a letter carrier, there are many physical duties and requirements. The day begins routing letters into a 6ft. shelf "U" shaped case, with approximately 540 deliveries, which are in route delivery sequence. On an average day this entails approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours of continuous standing, twisting, turning, and reaching over the shoulder. A carrier is also required to lift, from the floor, trays of unsorted mail weighing between 17 and 29 pounds. The handbook titled City Delivery Carriers'--Duties and Responsibilities, states that "the accurate and speedy routing of mail is one of the most important duties of a carrier; you must be proficient at this task". After routing letters, "flat-size" mail; magazines and small parcels are routed into the same "U" shaped mail case, with approximately 540 deliveries, which are in route delivery sequence. This is done for approximately .5 to 1.5 hours, this function also requires continuous reaching over the shoulder, bending, standing, stooping, twisting and lifting from ounces to 2 lbs. Parcels for the route are then taken from a wheeled hamper which stands 2 ft. 4 inches high, and put onto a 1 foot cart in delivery sequence order. The wood bottom of the hamper is supported by bungie cords which allows the hamper bottom to fall and rise as the weight is placed in or taken out This consists of bending, twisting, turning, stooping, and lifting parcels weighing from ounces up to 70 lbs. The mail is then withdrawn from the letter and flat case and bundled into separations for delivery. This entails standing, twisting, turning, bending, and reaching. The letters, flats, and small parcels are then put into 4.5 lbs plastic trays, the trays are placed onto a wheeled cart which stands 1 foot off the floor which consists of a lot of bending, standing, stooping, twisting and lifting. An average route, on an average day, has approximately 2-3 full, hand sorted plastic trays of mail (an average tray of mail weighs approximately 50 lbs, 3- 4 trays of pre-sorted (DIPS) mail and 25 to 50 parcels which can weigh up to 70lbs. The cart is then wheeled to the vehicle for loading. The trays and parcels are then lifted out of the hamper and loaded into the vehicle. This consists of bending, lifting, twisting, turning and stooping.
What is a CA-17 form?
What is a CA-17? It is a Duty Status Report. This form is provided for the purpose of obtaining a medical duty status report for the injured employee. Available here: DOL
Can a postal supervisor accompany an employee to a medical facility?
A postal supervisor is not authorized to accompany the employee to a medical facility or physician’s office in nonemergency situations. Editor's note: Over the years I have witnessed many employees injured at work and fail to request to see their own physician.
Why did the Postal Service publish incorrect statistics?
The incorrect statistics published in the reports to Congress occurred because the Postal Service did not have written processes to ensure accurate data collection, validation, and reporting. Specifically, Strategic Business Planning officials and Safety and OSHA Compliance officials did not verify the accuracy of the rates before the reports were published. Publishing incorrect rates in reports to Congress could impact the Postal Service’s goodwill and public credibility.
Who is responsible for calculating OSHA I&I rate?
The Postal Service Safety and OSHA Compliance Program, the rate indicator sponsor , is responsible for calculating and validating the OSHA I&I rate. The target rate is established each fiscal year and a snapshot of the actual rate is taken at the end of the fiscal year to determine if the performance goal was met.
What is OSHA incident rate?
The Postal Service’s OSHA I&I incident rate is one of several performance indicators in its National Performance Assessment (NPA), the national report card that measures progress toward achieving performance goals.
What is OSHA record?
Postal Service, to record information about every work-related injury or illness that involves medical treatment beyond first aid, days away from work, or death.
Does the postal service report injuries?
Postal Service Reporting of Occupational Safety and Health Administration Injury and Illness Rates. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires covered employers, including the U.S. Postal Service, to record information about every work-related injury or illness that involves medical treatment beyond first aid, ...
Did the I&I rate affect the postal service?
Although, the Postal Service’s I&I rates were used as one of various factors to address performance, the indicators that were used were accurate and not the same erroneous rates used in the reports to Congress. Thus, these erroneous rates did not impact salary increases and lump sum payments.
When injured at work and need immediate medical attention, should the Postal Service give you a CA-16?
When injured at work and need immediate medical attention the Postal Service should give you a CA-16 to take with you for the Provider to be paid for his/her services. The following is something you may want to keep and provide to the doctor should you be injured and are not supplied with a CA-16.
What form do you file to report a traumatic injury?
To report a traumatic injury the employee or someone acting on his or her behalf must file a Form CA-1, Notice of Traumatic injury.
How long do you have to file a CA-7?
In the case of a Traumatic Injury you would be required to file a Form CA-7 when you are unable to return to work at the end of the 45 Days of COP. If the medical evidence shows that the disability resulting from the Traumatic injury is expected to continue beyond the 45 day period, you must obtain a CA-7 by day 30 of the COP period and submit for OWCP LWOP. You must then fill out the CA-7 and submit it to Injury Compensation Office (making sure to get a date stamped copy for your records). The form and medical is then submitted to OWCP district office by Injury Comp by day 40.
How long does disability pay last?
Continuation of regular pay for up to 45 calendar days for wage loss due to disability
How long is the waiting period for postal employees?
There is a (3) three day waiting period for Postal Employees. The Employee may use Sick / Annual Leave / LWOP for any work days. Non work days also count.
What is the phone number for APWU?
Any local APWU member that needs assistance with work related injuries can contact the Union Hall Monday thru Friday between the hours of 8:00am and 4:30 pm @ (414) 273-7838. APWU members can ask to make an appointment with Bob Wood or leave a message to have Bob call you back. Please not that the APWU Milwaukee Area Local does not represent USPS ...
How long does it take to get a claim authorization?
Within 3 business days, the authorization will be in the system, forwarded to claims examiner for review, or returned.
Why is money paid to claimants by OWCP?
Money paid to claimants by OWCP because of loss of wages or earning ability. Money paid in the form of schedule awards (e.g., loss of finger). Money paid as reimbursement for medical diagnostic and treatment services supplied under FECA.
When does disability pay recurs?
Monthly pay at the time compensable disability recurs if the recurrence begins more than 6 months after the injured employee resumes full–time employment with the Postal Service or other government agency.
What is 541.11 law?
541.11 Law. Under the provisions of the Postal Reorganization Act, 39 U.S.C. 1005 (c), all employees of the United States Postal Service are covered by the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA), 5 U.S.C. 81. 541.12 Administration. FECA is administered by the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP), United States Department of Labor.
What is a claim in FECA?
Claim — an assertion, in writing, of an individual’s entitlement to benefits under FECA. This claim must be submitted on a form as required by 542. A claim may be filed for a traumatic injury, an occupational disease or illness, or death.
Is a chiropractor included in OWCP?
Chiropractors are included only to the extent that their reimbursable services are limited to treatment to correct a spinal subluxation as demonstrated by X ray to exist. Note: “Subluxation as demonstrated by X ray to exist” must appear in the chiropractor’s report for OWCP to consider payment of a chiropractor’s bill.
How many days a week do USPS employees drive?
The USPS workforce consists of some of the hardest working and most prone to injury employees the federal government hires. They have to walk and drive all day, six days a week, all year long, although, they do observe federal holidays.
What is FECA for postal employees?
Postal employees get covered by a law called the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) and can benefit from various types of benefits. If you are experiencing issues receiving the compensation you deserve from injuries sustained while on the clock, call Aumiller Lomax right away. We make sure you receive the proper benefits and make sure your local employer is appropriately upholding your rights. We have helped hundreds across the U.S. get the necessary compensation. The FECA statute is administered by the United States Department of Labor, Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP). Benefits you may be able to receive as an injured postal employee include:
What is wage compensation?
Wage compensation for time lost due to a work-related injury. When you’re injured, your regular bills and rent don’t stop charging you. Make sure you can cover those while you heal from work-related trauma. Medical treatment expenses related to your work injury should not be yours to face alone.
Does vocational rehabilitation work?
Vocational rehabilitation sometimes available at the discretion of the OWCP. This program can help you get back to work. Most work-related injuries aren’t as simple as covering them up with a Band-Aid. Constant work post-injury helps make sure you don’t encounter problems down the road. Aumiller Lomax will make sure the OWCP is using this process appropriately.
Is dog bites a problem for postal workers?
There are different situations and injuries that occur, which include: Dog Bites: It may be funny to think about the stereotypical dog chasing a postal worker scenario, but this is a real problem for the almost half a million federally employed workers across the U.S.
Can you get stuck in a mail truck?
Motor Vehicle Accidents: Whether inside your mail truck or while delivering mail on foot, automotive accidents happen. You can be personally stuck by a vehicle while walking from house to house or while delivering to many companies in an industrial park. Many postal workers use the park-and-loop method while in smaller neighborhoods, whether they need to stretch out and move around or because the mailboxes are farther away than the curb.
Can you get a dog bite at USPS?
Unfortunately, given the rigorous nature of the physical requirements associated with employment at the USPS there are ample opportunities for injury, such as lifting injuries, repetitive use injuries, falls and, yes, even the occasional dog bite, to name a few.
Where do you send emergency medical care?
An employee needing emergency treatment must be sent to the nearest available physician or hospital or to a physician or hospital chosen by the employee or the employee’s representative. The physician who provides emergency treatment is not considered the employee’s initial choice of physician.
How far away from home can a physician be from a post office?
In a nonemergency situation, if an employee does not accept treatment at a Postal Service occupational health services office or contract facility, the employee may select a physician or hospital within approximately 25 miles of his or her home or worksite. The physician’s office should be contacted by telephone by the control office or control point to determine if the physician is available and will accept the employee for treatment under FECA. If not, the employee must select another qualified physician or hospital.
When must a control office file a controversion with OWCP?
The control office or control point must file a controversion with OWCP setting forth the basis on which COP is stopped, no later than the effective date of the termination.
How many office visits can a postal physician provide?
A postal physician or contract equivalent may provide initial medical treatment not to exceed two office visits if:
What is return to work?
The term return to work refers to work in the employee’s bid assignment or work in other locations and positions.
Who is required to undergo fitness for duty examination?
Control office or control point personnel may recommend to the installation head, Human Resources manager or designee at any time, upon medical justification, that any employee being treated by a physician or hospital be required to undergo a fitness–for–duty examination.
Is an animal bite considered an emergency?
In the event that there is doubt as to the emergent nature of the injury, it should be handled as an emergency.
What is the compensation for permanent effects of injury?
The Act provides a schedule of benefits for permanent impairment of certain members, functions and organs of the body such as the eye, arm, or kidney and for serious disfigurement of the head, face or neck. For example, an award of 160 weeks of compensation is payable for total loss of vision in one eye.
What is an OWCP employee?
An employee is entitled to medical, surgical and hospital services and supplies needed for treatment of an injury as well as transportation for obtaining care. The injured employee has initial choice of physician and may select any qualified local physician or hospital to provide necessary treatment or may use agency medical facilities if available. Except for referral by the attending physician, any change in treating physician after the initial choice must be authorized by OWCP. Otherwise, OWCP will not be liable for the expenses of treatment.
How much is the maintenance allowance for OWCP?
OWCP may arrange for vocational rehabilitation and provide a maintenance allowance not to exceed $200 per month. A disabled employee participating in an OWCP-approved training or vocational rehabilitation program is paid at the compensation rate for total disability.
How long can you be on disability?
An employee who sustains a disabling, job-related traumatic injury may request continuation of regular pay for the period of disability not to exceed 45 calendar days or sick or annual leave. If disability continues beyond 45 days or the employee is not entitled to continuation of pay, the employee may use sick or annual leave or enter a leave without pay status and claim compensation from OWCP.
How long can you wait to get paid for a disability?
Compensation for loss of wages may not be paid until after a three-day waiting period, except when permanent effects result from the injury or where the disability causing wage loss exceeds 14 calendar days .
Is OWCP liable for medical expenses?
Otherwise, OWCP will not be liable for the expenses of treatment. The term "physician" includes surgeons, osteopathic practitioners, podiatrists, dentists, clinical psychologists, optometrists and chiropractors within the scope of their practice as defined by State law.
Can an employee retain a portion of the settlement?
Where an employee's injury or death in the performance of duty occurs under circumstances placing a legal liability on a party other than the United States, a portion of the cost of compensation and other benefits paid by OWCP must be refunded from any settlement obtained. OWCP will assist in obtaining the settlement and the Act guarantees that the employee may retain a certain proportion of the settlement (after any attorney fees and costs are deducted) even when the cost of compensation and other benefits exceeds the amount of the settlement.
Why is it important to report an injury to the USPS?
To this end, it is important to take USPS injury reporting seriously in order to lock in your benefits as an injured postal worker.
How long can you get disability pay?
If your injury causes some form of disablement, you can elect to apply for and receive continuation of pay for up to 45 calendar or work days.