General Liability Self-Insurance

Coverage

The UC self-insured program was established in 1986 to provide broad coverage for the University's legal or “tort” liability which arises from University activities. The intent of this program is to provide protection for mistakes (or “negligence”) by UCSF employees resulting in personal or bodily injury or damage to third parties. Coverage is applicable worldwide. Liability may arise from the way an elevator is maintained; the way employees conduct their job duties; or the way employees operate University-owned vehicles or equipment. The program is divided into three areas: General Liability, Auto Liability and Employment Practices Liability. The entire program is described in Business and Finance Bulletin BUS-81.

Coverage applies to all University departments and auxiliary enterprises, officers, agents and employees (including registered volunteers). Coverage is further extended to students enrolled in a formal training program while engaged in activities which are in the course and scope of their studies.

Premiums

“GAEL” (General, Auto, and Employment Liability) funds the UC self-insurance programs through annual assessments to each campus based on the anticipated payouts for current and future claims. The rates are set by Office of the President based on an actuarial assessment of claims activity on a campus-by-campus basis. The Budget Office breaks down the annual campus assessment, local operations, and unfunded claims costs into a payroll assessment rate which is charged back to departments on a per $100 of salary paid rate. Thus, UCSF’s GAEL rate is a reflection of the anticipated cost of claims each year. For more information, please visit the Operating Budget website in BRM: https://brm.ucsf.edu/operating-budget

GL and EPL Claims

Any time claims are made against the University, Risk Advisory and Insurance Services – along with the University’s third-party administrator (TPA) – respond by investigating the charges. Costs related to general liability claims, including legal fees, are funded by the program. You should always report any incidents to the appropriate campus authorities (police, fire, etc.) and Risk Advisory and Insurance Services (RAIS) as quickly as possible.

RAIS performs several claims functions: The office prepares claim reports based on information obtained from accident victims or department managers. These reports are forwarded to the TPA. Their representatives then investigate the claim, with the assistance of RAIS, in order to determine whether or not the University was at fault and to determine the value of the claim. The University's TPA is Sedgwick CMS. Representatives of Sedgwick may contact University department representatives as part of their claims investigation process. Please cooperate with Sedgwick representatives when they call to request loss information.

If you have any questions or concerns when contacted by Sedgwick, or if you receive calls from someone other than the University's representative (e.g. the injured party, attorneys, etc.), please contact Risk Advisory and Insurance Services immediately.

For more information about General Liability or Employment Practices Liability, please contact John Toal.

Loss Control

UCSF general liability claims experience is in large measure based on the ability of our staff to preserve a high level of safety and protection across the campus and medical center. The following are steps you can take to limit general liability claims:

  1. Report any unsafe conditions immediately. For example, cracked walkways can be repaired to help avoid injuries and should be reported to your facility or building manager.
  2. Evaluate all programs and operations to ensure all staff receives proper oversight and supervision; understand the UCSF Code of Conduct; and workplace safety instruction.
  3. If a visitor to UCSF reports to you that they have been injured on UCSF premises, ask the visitor if they require medical assistance, refer them to the UCSF Emergency Department, and/or call 911 if necessary. Even if the person did not require medical assistance, please report the incident immediately.