NCJ Number
202899
Date Published
April 2001
Length
70 pages
Annotation
This publication presents the history of California's Disaster Service Worker Volunteer Program (DSWVP), which provides workers' compensation insurance coverage in the event a Disaster Service Worker (DSW) volunteer is injured while performing assigned disaster duties; information is also provided on program regulations.
Abstract
The publication defines a DSW volunteer as "any person registered with an accredited Disaster Council ... for the purpose of engaging in disaster service ... without pay or other consideration." "Disaster service" refers to "all activities authorized by and carried on pursuant to the California Emergency Service Act, including approved and documented training necessary or proper to engage in such disaster activities." Unregistered volunteers who spontaneously come forward to assist in a disaster can become registered as DSW volunteers for the duration of the single disaster event. Since volunteers are important assets in a major response, DSW volunteers should be trained and prepared for disaster service assignments for which they have registered. Registered DSW volunteers are provided workers' compensation insurance coverage while participating in training activities that are preapproved and documented by the supervising authority. Registered DSW volunteers may also file a claim for injuries sustained while engaged in disaster service, including travel to and from the incident site. Unregistered volunteer workers not impressed into service may not file a claim if injured during a training activity or disaster exercise. This booklet includes step-by-step instructions for filing workers' compensation claims under the DSWVP, and it explains procedures for medical treatment, liability determination, and disputes and delays. Nine appendixes provide supplementary information.