All employees are covered by the University's Workers' Compensation policy beginning the first day of employment regardless of full-time, part-time, or temporary status. This policy provides for medical benefits and lost time compensation payments for valid on-the-job injuries. Employees are required to report all on-the-job injuries to their immediate supervisor and the Department of Human Resources.

Workers' Compensation will begin lost time salary payments after an injured employee has been off the job for a period of eight (8) calendar days. If the employee is out at least fifteen (15) days, Workers' Compensation will pay for the second through the seventh day of lost time. Workers' Compensation payments are calculated at two-thirds of the employee's normal pay rate based on a seven day work week up to a maximum benefit level regulated by the state.

The University will allow employees to use accrued medical leave and vacation leave so that employees remain in paid status as long as possible. Upon receipt of a lost time payment from Workers' Compensation, the employee will endorse the payment to the Univesity and an equivalent amount of leave time will be restored.

Although injured employees may seek services from any medical provider, it is recommended that providers who accept the employee's group health insurance be utilized so that coverage is provided should the Workers' Compensation claim be denied. If a claim is denied, the employee, not the University, is responsible for the cost of the medical treatment. WKU strongly recommends the use of WKU Health Services for those injuries that are not of a life threatening nature. WKU Health Services is a network provider of the group health plan.