WORKERS' COMPENSATION

The County maintains Workers’ Compensation insurance coverage for work-related employee injuries and illnesses and proactively manages the Workers’ Compensation insurance program. This approach includes developing a claims management program, a modified duty program, safety training programs, and other educational programs. Human Resources and Pinnacol provide claims management. Below are the basic responsibilities for employees and supervisors when a work-related injury or illness occurs. 

A. Employee Responsibilities

• • • No matter how minor an injury, the employee’s supervisor must be IMMEDIATELY notified.

    • Seek immediate medical treatment, if appropriate. (See Medical Treatment below for specifics on receiving care.

    • The employee must complete the Employee’s Written Notice of Injury to Employer. The completed form must be given to supervisor within four (4) working days of the occurrence of injury, or within thirty (30) working days of the first onset of the work-related illness.

State regulations provide that failure to report an accident within this time period could result in loss of one day's compensation for each day's failure to report. Compensation can be further reduced if the employee's injury was caused by:

• • • • Employee's violation of safety rules or failure to use safety devices required by Pitkin County.

      • The result of employee's willful failure to obey any reasonable procedure adopted by Pitkin County for the employee's protection.

      • Employee’s consumption of alcohol or controlled substances.

The employee must provide the supervisor a release to work from treating physician before returning to work.

B. Supervisor/Department Manager Responsibilities

1. 1. 1. If employee seeks emergency medical treatment, supervisor is to notify Human Resources during normal business hours or via Dispatch (970-920-5310) during non-business hours.

      2. Ensure the Employee’s Written Notice of Injury to Employer is complete. If employee is incapacitated, supervisor may complete report.

      3. Complete the Supervisor’s Investigation Report as thoroughly as possible.

      4. Submit both forms to Human Resources within four (4) working days of the injury. Forward any release-to-work forms from the employee to Human Resources.

If the employee or the supervisor has any questions regarding Workers’ Compensation, please contact Human Resources.