APWU Western Region Coordinator: Filing a Stress Workers Comp Claim

Posted on June 1, 2019June 2, 2019 by 21cpw

Excerpt from APWU Western Region Coordinator Omar M. Gonzalez’ Dealing With Postal Monsters Guidebook Postal workers who are harassed may suffer emotional stress when carrying out their postal assignment duties. At times employees file Workers Compensation claims and are taken aback by the denial of such claims by the Office of Workers Compensation Programs (OWCP)…

APWU: CSRS, FERS, SS and FECA colas for 2018

Posted on October 21, 2017October 21, 2017 by 21cpw

For CSRS Retirees: The 2018 CSRS retiree COLA is based on the third quarter (July, August, September) average CPI-W index (1982-84=100) in 2017 over the 2016 third quarter average. 2018 CSRS COLA increase effective with January 2018 annuity payments will be 2.0%. For FERS Retirees: The 2018 FERS retiree COLA is based on the third…

OIG: What actions should USPS take to return injured employees back to work in limited duty assignments?

Posted on July 7, 2017July 7, 2017 by 21cpw

Project Title: Postal Service’s Limited Duty and Rehabilitation Programs Return to Work Processes Start Date: Wednesday, June 21, 2017 Estimated Report Release Date: December 2017 The OIG is conducting an audit to assess whether the Postal Service is effectively managing the Limited Duty and Rehabilitation Programs to facilitate returning injured employees that are deemed fit…

USPS Handbook EL-505 Revision: Proper Completion of OWCP Claim Forms

Posted on February 2, 2017February 2, 2017 by 21cpw

Effective February 2, 2017, the Postal Service™ is revising Handbook EL-505, Injury Compensation, to clarify how to make changes to Forms CA-1, CA-2, CA-7, and CA-2a, when appropriate. Handbook EL-505, Injury Compensation * * * * * 2 Injury Compensation Office Setup * * * * * 2-3 Supplying Office Equipment — district HR manager…

USPS: New system tracking workers’ comp costs reduces Philadelphia District expenses

Posted on July 18, 2016July 18, 2016 by 21cpw

The Philadelphia Post Office has slashed its operating expenses by adopting a new system to track workers’ compensation costs. The office had more than 275 employees who were injured and not available for duty. “We were paying for worker compensation benefits for these employees out of work as well as for their replacements to cover…

USPS OIG Report: The Postal Service’s Handling of OWCP Claim Forms

Posted on April 23, 2016April 23, 2016 by 21cpw

Background In fiscal years (FY) 2014 and 2015, the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) provided over $1 billion in annual workers’ compensation benefits to U.S. Postal Service workers for personal injury, disease, or death sustained while working. The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Workers’ Compensation Program (OWCP) administers the FECA for the Postal…

USPS OIG Management Advisory – Workers’ Compensation Compound Drug Costs

Posted on March 16, 2016March 16, 2016 by 21cpw

Background Enacted in 1916, the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) provides medical, compensation, death, and vocational rehabilitation benefits to civilian federal employees who sustain injuries or disease. In fiscal years (FYs) 2014 and 2015, FECA provided over $1 billion in annual workers’ compensation benefits to U.S. Postal Service workers. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)…

APWU: Workers Comp Fraud Investigations

Posted on October 30, 2015October 30, 2015 by 21cpw

Special agents of the Postal Service Office of the Inspector General (OIG) are contracted to “safeguard postal revenue” and are supposed to “operate with integrity, be a model of ethical behavior, and treat people in a fair and respectful manner.” When it comes to workers compensation fraud, however, these law enforcement officers often employ questionable…