Employee Handbook

Section 8 — Safety and Wellness

The City provides benefits to the following employees and representatives of the City who are injured in work-related injuries or incur occupational illnesses:

• All regular (full-time and part-time) employees

• Seasonal, temporary or intermittent employees

• All elected and appointed officials

Benefits under Workers' Compensation may include any of the following: payment of all reasonable and necessary medical care incurred to treat the injury/illness, benefits for loss of wages, and benefits for partial/total disability or death.

Injuries or illnesses arising out of and in the course of employment must be reported immediately or as soon as practical, but within 24 hours after its occurrence.  Employees must report an injury or illness by completing a Report of Injury or Illness form and submitting it to their manager or supervisor. A delay in reporting may result in the denial of the claim. If an injury or illness is minor, first aid may be rendered on-site with no follow up needed by a physician.

The state of Iowa provides that the City has the right to determine who will provide medical care that is reasonably suited to treat an employee’s injury or illness. The City has selected a medical care provider that specializes in work-related injuries and illnesses. This medical provider is to be contacted for all work-related injuries or illnesses needing medical care during normal business hours, Monday through Thursday, 7:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M and Friday, 7:00 AM - Noon. If a work-related injury occurs during ”off” hours, the employee should contact the nearest emergency room or walk-in clinic for treatment, not the employee’s personal physician.

If a significant Bloodborne Pathogen exposure occurs during "off" hours, the employee should contact the nearest emergency room. For additional information regarding Bloodborne Pathogen Exposures, please refer to Chapter 3 of the Safety Program Manual.

Information and assistance regarding coverage, claims or administration under Workers' Compensation is available from human resources.

Workers’ Comp – Report of Injury or Illness and Authorization Form

Workers' Comp Information Pamphlet

MercyOne Occupational Health Clinic Locations

For additional information, see the City of West Des Moines’ Workers’ Compensation brochure, which can be obtained from human resources or a supervisor.