The OWCP CA-2 form is another document used within the United States federal workers’ compensation system, specifically for occupational diseases, as opposed to traumatic injuries covered by the CA-1 form. This form is utilized when a federal employee believes they have contracted a work-related illness or injury due to their job duties over time. OWCP stands for the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs, which operates under the United States Department of Labor. Think occupational disease = injuries that happen at work, but over time.
Examples include repetitive strain injuries and osteoarthritis.
Here’s an overview of the information typically included on an OWCP CA-2 form:
- Employee Information: This section collects details about the employee, including their name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, job title, pay grade, and contact information.
- Claim Information: Similar to the CA-1 form, this part gathers information about the employee’s federal agency, department, and location of employment. You will also need to select 2 dates here: the first date references when you first became aware you had an injury. The second date refers to when you became aware that this injury was due to work. It is also here where the employee describes the illness or injury they believe to be work-related. This may include details such as the onset of symptoms, any medical diagnosis received, and how the nature of their work contributed to the illness or injury.
- Exposure Information: If applicable, the form may request information about the specific exposures the employee believes caused or contributed to their illness. This could include exposure to hazardous materials, chemicals, environmental factors, or other workplace conditions. This may also be included in an employee’s written statement.
- Witness Information: Similar to the CA-1 form, if there were any witnesses to events related to the illness, their names and contact information may be included on the form. Witness statements are always nice to have.
- Supervisor’s Report: The employee’s supervisor may provide information about their observations of any workplace conditions or events that may have contributed to the illness.
- Employee’s Statement: The injured employee may provide a separate written statement detailing their account of the events leading to their illness or injury and any relevant information about their work conditions.
- Certification: Both the employee and the supervisor typically sign and date the form to certify the accuracy of the information provided. Always review the form and get a copy before it is sent.
- Always keep a copy of the CA-2 and make sure the dates are correct! before having this form filed. Incorrect dates can create big delays in the processing of your case/claim.
- CA-16 Form: Make sure to request a CA-16 form from your supervisor! It will pay for your medical care for 60 days! Save yourself the out of pocket expense. They must provide you one within 4 hours of your request. However, if you do not get the CA-16 form within 7 days of your injury, you don’t get one! This form is overlooked, but can save you a lot of stress.
Submitting a completed CA-2 form initiates the process for the employee to seek workers’ compensation benefits related to their occupational illness or disease. This may include medical treatment, wage replacement, and other assistance necessary for their recovery or management of the illness. Remember – do not forget to get a CA-16 form.