No one knows the long-term health effects of COVID-19 exposure, so it’s essential that you protect your right to medical care and wage replacement through New York’s workers’ compensation system. Future benefits for you and your family could hinge on steps you take in the coming weeks.

The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board requires that workers notify management of workplace injury within 30 days of when it takes place. While the board may accept a different standard for COVID-19 illness down the road, at this time it is imperative that members notify their employer as soon as possible, and within 30 days if possible.

If you have been exposed to COVID-19 at work, or fallen ill from the virus, notify your employer today.

NYSNA has set up this easy-to-use process to help you protect yourself and your family. After you fill out and submit the form, it will officially notify your employer of your exposure, and send you a copy for your records.

We also encourage every member who has been exposed to or gotten sick from COVID-19 to file an incident report at your hospital. This is the only way to ensure your exposure/illness will be included in your facility’s reports to OSHA or the New York Public Employee Safety and Health Bureau.

In solidarity,
Pat Kane, RN
Executive Director