Look out for yourself now, not after it is too late.

Administrative Leave for Injury is a benefit that ACOA fought for during multiple contract negotiation cycles. It was achieved in the 2021-2024 Contract. This very important benefit provides pay for up to twelve consecutive months from the date of initial injury/illness for an Officer who has suffered an illness or injury in the line of duty that would normally qualify the Officer for Workers’ Compensation. Thus, it is extremely important to promptly file for Workers’ Compensation after becoming injured at work, or if you believe you acquired an illness at work that causes you to miss work. In exchange for receiving full pay for up to 12 consecutive months, the Officer must give the State any lost wage compensation paid by Workers’ Compensation. Importantly, the Officer continues to receive retirement credit for the time spent on Administrative Leave for Injury. The contract language follows:

20.7 Administrative Leave for Injury

“”A. Administrative Leave is paid leave used to properly record an excused absence. It shall be granted for a leave of absence for up to twelve (12) consecutive months from the date of initial injury/illness for a Bargaining Unit Member who has suffered an illness or injury in the line of duty that would normally qualify them for Workers’ Compensation. In such instances, the Bargaining Unity Member may be assigned work at the discretion of the Department providing such work assignment does not adversely affect the nature of the illness of injury. Should it be determined the Bargaining Unit Member shall not be eligible to return to full duty and applies for retirement, and retirement is granted prior to the twelve (12) months’ expiration of Administrative Leave, the Department’s obligation under this provision shall then be nullified. A Bargaining Unit Member is not eligible to retain lost wage compensation from Workers’ Compensation for the time covered by Administrative Leave. If the Bargaining Unit Member does receive lost wage compensation from Workers’ Compensation for the time covered by Administrative Leave, such payment shall be submitted to the Department of Corrections to be deposited in an account belonging to the Department of Corrections.

B. Time spent on Administrative Leave shall not reduce the Bargaining Unit Member’s personal leave balance.

C. A Superintendent or facility manager need not require a physician’s statement in cases when a Bargaining Unit Member suffers a workplace injury which is the result of a qualifying injury and results in the Bargaining Unit Member’s absence from regularly scheduled work for three (3) days or less.

D. A Bargaining Unit Member on Administrative Leave may be assigned limited duty at the discretion of the Department providing such work does not adversely affect the injury/illness or adversely impact the Bargaining Unit Member’s ability to obtain medical treatment.

E. Notice. The Bargaining Unit Member shall provide documentation that the Bargaining Unit Member’s workers’ compensation claim has been accepted.”

“Reporting” Requirements

  • Submit a Workers’ Compensation Report of Occupational Injury or Illness to your facility’s Administration (Keep a Copy); then
  • Submit an Incident Report (SIR, when applicable) (Keep a Copy); then
  • When the Workers’ Compensation claim has been approved, you are required by the Contract to give a copy to your Superintendent; then
  • Fax or e-mail a courtesy copy to ACOA for our records.

Other Forms or Information you might need

State Workers’ Compensation

Anchorage

3301 Eagle Street
Suite 304
Anchorage, Alaska
99503-4149

(907) 269-4980

Fairbanks

675 Seventh Avenue
Station K
Fairbanks, Alaska
99701-4593

(907) 451-2889

Juneau

1111 W. Eighth Street
Room 305
P.O. Box 115512
Juneau, Alaska
99811-5512

(907) 465-2790