By George Mauzy
On Dec. 1, Ohio University's Office of Workmen's Compensation moved into its new location at the University Human Resources and Training Building on West Union Street.
The office, which no longer is a part of the Environmental Health and Safety Department, is responsible for managing all workmen's compensation claims at Ohio University. In cooperation with the Ohio Workmen's Compensation Law, the University provides compensation to all Ohio University employees who suffer a job related injury or disease. Employees must file their injury claims within two years of the incident.
"I wanted to have the Workmen's Compensation office function as an independent entity to assign more responsibility and accountability to supervisors to be responsible for follow-up on injuries that result in claims," said Ohio University Vice President for Administration Gary North.
Workmen's Compensation Director Jimmy Matthews, who has been in charge of workmen's compensation claims since 1975, is excited about the change.
"Many other universities operate their Workmen's Compensation office as an independent office," Matthews said. "This structural change allows me to concentrate more on managing the claims, so I am extremely positive about the new direction of the office."
For more information call the Workmen's Compensation Office at (740) 597-1992 or 597-1994.
George Mauzy is a media specialist with University Communications and Marketing.
