call work comp carrier?

NaeNae55

I just found out that one of our employees is experiencing some left wrist pain. Apparently this has been going on for 2-3 weeks. She finally went to one of our nurses who immediately called it some kind of tendonitis. The nurse said a shot in the area would protect it and allow it to heal. The nurse then pulled some strings and got our employee an appt. to see a specialist on the 17th.

This employee opens mail, sorts it, matches documents and staples them (2-500 per day) with an electric stapler, and also does some data entry. She is right handed and thinks she uses her right hand the most, but can not say for sure if this is work related or not. The nurses said it can be from repetitive work, but doesn't always have to be from repetitive work.

Should I call my carrier and alert them, or should I wait and see what the doctor says? It may not have anything to do with her job. The employee has no idea why her wrist is hurting. She says it just started hurting one day. On the other hand, I don't want delays or problems if the specialist says it is her job that is causing the problem.

Recommendations please.

Nae

Dutch2

As they say, "been there done that". I have found it best to go ahead and turn in every event at the time I first learn of it. I make sure to explain to the WC carrier that this may not be work related but thought it best to go ahead and let them know as quickly as possible. From past experience I have learned that if the ee has worked for you for any length of time, it is very difficult (darn near impossible) to prove that it is not work releated. Also been burned a couple of times when and ee just swears up and down that it was just a little bump or fall and they were not injured and do not need any medical care. Then a few days later they show up on crutches, arm in a sling, or at the ER claiming a WC injury.
Good luck.

joannie

We would report it, just to give carrier a head's up, but we would tell them we are not filing a claim at this time.

NaeNae55

Thanks to both of you. It is good to know my instincts were right in this case.

Nae