Department of Defense employees, both appropriated fund (AF) and non-appropriated fund (NAF), who may be injured during the performance of their duties are eligible for medical cost reimbursement or compensation under the Federal Employees Workers Compensation Act (FECA) program.
This program is managed differently for AF and NAF employees. NAF employees must report through the NAF Human Recourses Office, located in building 2187, at Fort McCoy.
AF employees must initiate a claim through the Employees’ Compensation Operations and Management Portal (ECOMP) at https://ecomp.dol.gov. Assistance may be obtained at the Fort McCoy Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (CPAC).
Employees have the responsibility to report any injury, or accident, that happens during work-related activities to their immediate supervisor. The supervisor can then ensure employees receive the initial treatment for their injury, and will complete accident reporting and investigation requirements.
Supervisors also must advise the employee of their option to submit a workers compensation claim. It is important that all of these actions are completed as soon as possible after an accident occurs to ensure timely filing requirements are met.
The Fort McCoy Garrison has established a FECA working group to review and evaluate all garrison open workers compensation claims. The group is made up of representatives from CPAC, Installation Safety Office, Occupational Health, and people appointed from garrison directorates.
The group reviews open cases and discusses options to ensure employees have a pathway for returning to work as they are able. This includes work options with restricted limitations as the garrison has a policy for offering light duty work.
The CPAC workers compensation specialists also discuss any long-term cases which have had recent costs applied to them, and what actions they have available to settle these type claims.
The ability for the various organizations to work together within the FECA Working Group has produced positive results in reducing the costs associated with garrison workers compensation claims.
The group’s actions also create a proactive environment for claimant’s to pursue returning to a productive and fulfilling employment status.
(Article prepared by the Fort McCoy Installation Safety Office.)
