Policy Text
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW NEXT REVIEW
3 01/24/2011 03/01/2019 09/01/2020
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
______ _____________
1042 - On Duty Injuries 1 POLICY 1042 ON DUTY INJURIES
1042.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide for the reporting of on duty injuries, occupational illnesses,
or deaths to Risk Management, to ensure proper medical attention is received, and document the
circumstances of the incident.
1042.1.1 ACCREDITATION STANDARDS
This section pertains to the following CALEA Standards: 22.2.1
This section pertains to the following Standard Operating Procedures: N/A
1042.2 WORKER’S COMPENSATION FUND REPORTS
1042.2.1 INJURIES REQUIRING MEDICAL CARE
All work related injuries and work related illnesses requiring medical care must be reported to the
Risk Management Office and a claim form shall be provided to the injured employee within 24
hours from the tim e the injury was discovered, excluding weekends and holidays.
1042.2.2 ACCIDENT DEFINED
Accident - is defined as any occurrence from which bodily injury or property damage may result,
regardless of whether any injury or damage actually does occur (e.g. , exposure where no
immediate injury is apparent).
1042.2.3 EMPLOYEE’S RESPONSIBILITY
Any employee sustaining any work related injury or illness, as well as any employee who is
involved in any accident while on duty , shall report such injury, illness o r accident as soon as
practical to his/her supervisor. Any employee observing or learning of a potentially hazardous
condition is to promptly report the condition to his/her immediate supervisor. Any employee
sustaining a work related injury or illness tha t requires relief from duty , whether full or partial, is
required to be examined/treated by a doctor. Any employee sustaining a work related injury or
illness that requires relief from duty is also required to comply with departmental policies and
directiv es relating to the duty , whether full or partial, to periodically call in during absences, as
well as the duty to notify the Department of any change in condition or anticipated duration of the
absence.
To initiate workers compensation benefits, the emplo yee, when capable, must sign the workers
compensation benefits form (DWC1) and return the signed form to Risk Management (HR) within
three days of receipt of the DWC1.
When appropriate, an employee being treated for an on duty injury should inform the attending
physici an that a modified duty assignment may be available at the Department.
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW NEXT REVIEW
3 01/24/2011 03/01/2019 09/01/2020
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
______ _____________
1042 - On Duty Injuries 2 Modified or light duty may be available for the employees whose injuries prevent resumption of
regular duties. An injured employee or employee who has suffered a work related illness shall
report as soon as practical to his/her immediate supervisor any and all work restrictions related to
such injury, inclu ding the duration of the work restrictions as reported by the treating physician . In
addition, such employees are required to promptly submit all work status updates , whether partial
or full return to work , to their supervisor.
1042.2.4 SUPERVISOR’S RESPONSIBILITY
A supervisor learning of any work related injury, illness , or accident shall promptly prepare the
appropriate forms as outlined under Policy Manual § 1042.2. Updated copies of forms with
instructions for completion are provided by Risk Management (HR) and are maintained on the
City Intranet and available in the Watch Commander’s office.
For work related accidents, injurie s, or illness es not requiring professional medical care, a First
Aid Report shall be complete d via the Intranet . The completed form shall be forwarded to the
supervisor’s Division Commander, through the chain of command and Risk Management (HR).
When an accident, injury, or illness is reported initially on the First Aid Re port and the employee
subsequently requires professional medical care, an injury and illness report shall be completed.
The forms and instructions for completion are maintained on the city intranet and available in the
Watch Commander’ Office.
The injured employee shall also sign the form in the appropriate location. Every injured employee
must be provided with an Employee’s Claim for Workers’ Compens ation Benefits Form (DWC1)
within 24 hours, regardless of the nature of illness or injury. Copies of any reports documenting
the accident or injury should be forwarded to the Division Commander as soon as they are
completed.
Any employee suffering an on-duty injury resulting in time off work and/or a modified duty
schedule will also be provided a letter from Risk Management (HR) which outlines the employee’s
respo nsibilities .
1042.2.5 DIVISION COMMANDER RESPONSIBILITY
The Division Commander receiving a report of a work related accident or injury should review the
report for accuracy and determine what additional action should be taken. The report shall then
be forwarded to the appropriate Bureau Commander and ultimately to the Chief of Police .
1042.3 SETTLEMENT OF INJURY CLAIMS BY OTHER PARTY
Occasionally, an employee’s work related