The following information is in reference to workers’ compensation & COVID-19:
Good afternoon – this email is to address your question as it relates to whether income benefits will be available for those volunteer firefighters who must be quarantined (including self-quarantine) due to an exposure surrounding COVID-19.
This is an ever-evolving situation and we continue to watch the developments, not only here in Kentucky but those activities within the United States Congress as well.
If a volunteer firefighter, performing a task within the scope of their volunteer duties, while under the direction of a their chief, is exposed to COVID-19 and must have an initial quarantine period (including self-imposed), the firefighter will be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits during the quarantine period. As always, every claim is reviewed on its own merits and compensability is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Should an injury or exposure occur while working in their capacity as a volunteer firefighter, please have the volunteer notify their chief or department designee as soon as practicable so a First Report of Injury can be submitted to our office.
Please follow these steps to file a First Report of Injury:
If a volunteer believes they sustained an injury or acquired an illness while performing tasks as a volunteer fire fighter, please notify their chief/designee as soon as possible.
The chief/designee must submit the First Report of Injury (IA-1) to the Personnel Cabinet’s Workers’ Compensation Program within three (3) business days absent extenuating circumstances. The IA-1 can be reported online at: https://personnel.ky.gov/Pages/WorkersComp-Form.aspx or please contact the Workers’ Compensation office at 502-564-6846.
A claim number is provided to the chief/designee at the time the report is submitted.
The IA-1 is submitted to the third party administrator for compensability review. Each claim is investigated on its own merits and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
If an employee believes medical attention is needed, they are encouraged to consult with their medical provider for appropriate medical advice.
Employees and employers can always contact the Workers’ Compensation Office at 502-564-6846 if any questions or concerns arise.
We will keep close contact with you and the Fire Commission and report any exposure claim so you will be able to have the information to appropriately manage your requirements.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or need further information.
https://personnel.ky.gov/Pages/WorkersComp-Form.aspx
