Work-Related Injuries and Workers’ Compensation

All employees of the University are automatically covered by Workers' Compensation. No enrollment is necessary for this coverage.

A. Work-Related HIV Benefit Plan

Harvard University offers a Work-Related HIV Benefit Plan to those individuals who contract the HIV virus (and certain related viruses) as a result of a work-related incident. All Harvard faculty and staff are covered by this Plan. Coverage is automatic and does not require an active election.

This Plan provides financial assistance in the form of a one-time payment of $100,000 to a covered person who becomes HIV-positive as a result of a work-related incident. This payment is in addition to any amounts that are payable under Workers' Compensation and other insurance plans.

Persons suspecting they may have had a work-related exposure to the HIV virus must document the exposure by notifying their manager/superviso, Leave of Absence Specialist or local HR contact who will report the incident, and must have a confidential blood test at University Health Services or an approved laboratory within five days of the incident. The Accident Report and the results of this blood test will be key sources of the documentation required if a claim for payment is filed at a later date.

The confidential counseling services of Harvard's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) are also available to help provide resources regarding HIV infection.

This information is intended only as a brief summary of the Work-Related HIV Benefit Plan. Detailed information about the plan can be obtained from the Benefits Office.

Last updated: 01/13/2017