Division of Environmental Health & Safety
Jones Act Guidelines
Jones Act Guidelines
Overview
Certain staff members who are USF employees are exempt from Workers’ Comp coverage. Their coverage is provided under the “Jones Act”. The Jones Act provides special liability insurance for USF employees who are defined as seamen. Employees covered by the Jones Act are those whose primary duties are performed on a vessel and who are permanent, full time mariners. This definition includes: Captains, Crew, Deck Hand, Cook, Engineers, 1st Mate, Scientific or Marine Techs who are permanently assigned to a boat or anyone who spends 30% of their time working on a vessel. If the time spent is less than 30% on a vessel, they are covered under Workers’ Compensation.
Procedures for filing a Claim when an injury or illness occurs: Jones Act Employees
When an incident occurs on the vessel, the employee must report all injuries or illnesses to his/her Captain immediately(no exceptions).
1. Determine if emergency! In case of emergency, follow emergency procedures and contact emergency responders for immediate medical care.
2. Notify each of the following agencies that an incident has occurred. All claims reports shall be submitted by the agency to the agent of record representing the insurance carrier."USF should never contact Great American directly. When reporting an injury, questions or concerns, only contact the Agent.
Ø INSURANCE AGENT- Adjuster
Tanya Lewicki, Area Assistant Vice President
Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc.
305 639-3154 Office
305 592-4049 Fax
Ø DMS REPRESENTATIVE
Jill Soderberg, MBA, FCCM
Florida Department of Management Services
(850) 488-7996
College of Marine Science (HR)
Tim Trowbridge, PHR
College of Marine Science
727-553-3375
Florida Institute of Oceanography (HR)
Cam Ngo
727 553-3942
USF Workers’ Comp
Meica Elridge, WC Administrator
Environmental Health & Safety
813 974-5775 Office
3. The Captain or Marine Superintendant must complete the Report of Marine Accident, Injury or Death form (provided by the insurance agent). Standard form to be used for all incidents as of 10/1/10.
4. The Captain must enter incident into entry log book.
v Injured workers are allowed to seek medical treatment at any medical facilities of their choice within reason.
Leave Benefits
v Injured employees under the Jones Act may be granted up to 40 hours of disability leave. This benefit is paid leave and is not deducted from sick or annual leave balances.
v Once disability leave has exhausted and an authorized physician has certified in writing that the employee is unable to work, the injured worker will be paid maintenance approximately $50.00 (minimum amount) per day.
v When daily maintenance is determined, as an option, injured workers may use any accrued leave (sick or annual leave) to supplement their pay to bring their salary amount equivalent to his/her salary prior to the incident. This will vary depending on the salary levels of the injured employee.
v Any use of sick or annual leave will be reimbursed (if owed), once compensability, maintenance and cure have been determined by the insurance company.
· Accurate log of payments made to employee, medical facilities, pharmacies or any medical invoices should be kept to ensure correct amounts are applied towards the deductible.
Environmental Health & Safety Workers’ Comp/Jones Act Guidelines
Questions: (813) 974-5775 Rev. 8/2016