Editor’s note: Generative AI was used to facilitate this interview.
NCI Frederick and Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR) have an excellent OSHA safety record built on prevention, education, and—when injuries occur—rapid response.
Behind that success is a dedicated network of professionals focused on protecting employees and minimizing workplace incidents. One of those individuals is Tina Watts, BSN, RN, MD-WCCM, occupational health nurse and workers’ compensation case manager, whose steady guidance and compassionate approach have become well known across campus.
For nearly eight years, Watts has helped employees navigate workplace injuries, occupational illnesses, and the often-unfamiliar workers’ compensation process. She serves employees across the Frederick campus, the Advanced Technology Research Facility, the Vaccine Pilot Plant, and FNLCR locations in Bethesda and Shady Grove.
Although her nursing background began outside occupational health, Watts quickly embraced the specialty and became an expert in injury management, early intervention, and return-to-work coordination. Her role combines clinical knowledge, case management, employee advocacy, and communication, all with the goal of helping employees recover safely and confidently.
She recently spoke with Poster about workplace injury reporting, workers’ compensation, and the support available to employees after an injury occurs. Read on to hear from her.
Tell us about your role as the occupational health nurse and workers’ compensation case manager for injuries.
Watts: I work closely with our clinic’s nurse practitioners and Occupational Health Services team to ensure every injured employee receives timely, appropriate care.
Our team is equipped to provide immediate injury assessment and care, guide employees through the next steps, and coordinate referrals or emergency treatment when needed. We support employees during those first stressful moments after an injury, when they may feel overwhelmed or unsure what to do next.
As the workers’ compensation case manager, I also coordinate communication between the injured employee, healthcare providers, supervisors, Human Resources, and the Department of Labor. This includes arranging medical evaluations, monitoring recovery progress, clarifying work restrictions, and ensuring required documentation is completed accurately and on time.
My goal is to be an approachable and supportive point of contact who makes employees feel comfortable asking when they have questions or concerns. I want employees to know they are not navigating the process alone.
What exactly is workers’ compensation?
Watts: Workers’ compensation is a federal program that provides medical coverage and wage-replacement benefits for employees who experience work-related injuries or occupational illnesses.
Many employees think workers’ compensation is simply paperwork or insurance, but its real purpose is to protect employees during recovery. It ensures injured workers can receive appropriate medical care without worrying about the financial burden associated with treatment related to a workplace injury.
Another important benefit people may not realize is the support and coordination employees receive throughout the recovery process. Workers’ compensation is designed to help employees heal safely, maintain communication with their workplace, and return to work when medically appropriate.
What are some “hidden benefits” of workers’ compensation that employees may not realize?
Watts: One hidden benefit is early intervention. When injuries are reported immediately, employees often recover faster because treatment begins sooner. We can coordinate care right away.
Occupational Health Services helps guide employees through medical appointments, documentation requirements, work restrictions, and return-to-work planning.
Workers’ compensation can also support modified duty or temporary work adjustments that allow employees to stay connected to work while recovering safely. Remaining engaged in the workplace can benefit emotional well-being, confidence, and long-term recovery.
Finally, reporting injuries helps improve workplace safety for everyone. Every report helps us identify trends, evaluate hazards, and strengthen prevention efforts.
What would you say to employees who may hesitate to report injuries out of fear, embarrassment, or concern about repercussions?
Watts: That hesitation is more common than people realize, and it’s important for employees to know they should never feel ashamed or afraid to report an injury.
Sometimes employees worry they will be viewed negatively, blamed for the incident, or seen as causing problems for their supervisor or team. Others minimize their symptoms or feel embarrassed that an injury happened in the first place.
Our focus is not about blame. Our focus is on making sure employees receive appropriate care and recover safely, and that we learn from incidents so future injuries can be prevented.
I always encourage employees to speak up, even if the injury seems minor. Many injuries appear small initially and become more serious later. Prompt reporting protects the employee and allows us to provide support early.
What’s the most important thing employees should remember after a workplace injury?
Watts: My biggest piece of advice is to report any injury right away, even if it seems minor, so we can make sure they receive care right away and avoid complications.
It’s also important to follow medical guidance and keep all scheduled appointments to support a smooth recovery. Staying open about their work restrictions and how they’re progressing helps us coordinate the right level of support.
I always encourage employees to ask questions whenever something feels unclear. My role is not just about managing paperwork; it’s about making sure employees feel supported, informed, and confident as they recover and return to work safely.
Workers’ Compensation Facts from Tina
What workers’ compensation does:
- It covers medical treatment related to a work injury or occupational illness.
- It may provide wage replacement if you are unable to work due to your injury.
- It requires proper documentation and reporting to ensure benefits aren’t delayed.
The benefits of reporting an injury immediately:
- Timely medical care.
- Proper documentation.
- Compliance with federal guidelines.
- Reduced risk of claim delays or denials.
Benefits of early return-to-work:
- Helps employees maintain physical function, emotional well‑being, and long‑term work capacity.
- Lessens the risk of physical deconditioning, slower healing, reinjury, and heightened pain sensitivity caused by extended time away from work.
- Decreases the emotional challenges, such as anxiety, isolation, and fear of reinjury, that come from longer absences.
- Lessens the likelihood of developing a chronic disability, which rises as the longer an employee remains out.
Sarah Hooper is the occupational health manager at OHS, where she leads her team in promoting workplace safety, injury prevention, and employee well-being across the organization.