I. Introduction

This booklet is designed to acquaint our members who work for the City of Philadelphia or the First Judicial District with the major provisions of the Injured On Duty (IOD) and Workers’ Compensation systems, and to answer the most frequently asked questions about these programs. The document includes the important distinctions between the two systems, an outline of appeal procedures, information about services available from the Union’s Health & Safety office, and tips on how to get the best treatment and all the benefits you are entitled to under these programs.

The Union urges everyone to utilize the IOD system (or Workers’ Comp) any time you are hurt at work, no matter how minor the injury or illness. Going to your own doctor when you are injured at work is against the law. It is also a drain on our Health & Welfare Fund, which drives up costs. Failing to report workplace hazards and injuries lets the City off the hook. They cannot be held accountable for benefits or for fixing the hazards that lead to injuries, if employees go outside the system for treatment.

The Union also urges everyone to report your injury to the Union’s Health & Safety Office as soon as possible. You may call Kathy Black, Health & Safety Director, at 215-893-3770, e-mail her at kblack@dc47.org, or ask your steward to call her. Kathy is available to assist all employees who are injured or ill as a result of their work and to make sure they are treated fairly, receive appropriate treatment, and get any help required to obtain benefits, including legal referrals when necessary.

There is no specific definition of “injury” or “illness” under the law, although a long list of possible diseases related to noise, chemicals and other toxic exposures is included in the Workers’ Compensation Act. If your work causes you an injury, illness or disease of any kind, you may be eligible for Workers’ Compensation or IOD. However, no compensation will be paid for an injury or death when it is intentionally self-inflicted or is caused by an employee’s violation of the law, including, but not limited to, the illegal use of drugs. An injury or death