Workers' Compensation

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Workers’ Compensation Insurance covers on-the-job injuries and illnesses.  All benefits are determined by the state legislature; the amount of payments and when and how they are paid are governed by state law.  The premiums for workers’ compensation coverage are paid for entirely by the college.  Any injury or illness you may incur while on the job is covered under this benefit.  Workers’ Compensation benefits include:

• Medical Benefits - Necessary and reasonable medical care and prescriptions will be provided to you by the college’s designated medical provider and will be paid for by our Workers’ Compensation Insurance Company.  Medical benefits are unlimited as long as the medical care is administered by the designated medical provider.
• Wage Loss Benefits - If you are off of work for more than three days of work because of a job-related injury or illness, you are entitled to compensation equal to two-thirds (66 2/3 percent) of your average weekly wage subject to the maximum allowed by law.  Wage loss benefits are paid directly to you by the insurance carrier until you have been released to return to work by the college’s designated physician or until you have reached maximum medical improvement.
• Disability Benefits - In the event you are physically unable to return to the type of work performed prior to the injury or illness, you may be eligible for permanent disability benefits as established by the Workers’ Compensation Act.  In some cases, vocational rehabilitation may also be offered.

Workers’ Compensation Procedure

You should follow the general procedures below if you have a workplace incident:

• Report any job-related injury or illness to your supervisor and human resources immediately, but no later than two days from the date of injury or onset of illness.  This includes accidents that do not require medical treatment.  Failure to report an injury or illness may, by law, result in a loss of benefits.
• When you notify human resources, you will be asked to complete an accident report outlining details of your injury or illness.
• If you require medical attention, human resources will refer you to the college’s designated medical provider for treatment.  The college may be able to assist you with transportation to the doctor if needed.  In the case of an emergency, you will be transported to the nearest medical facility.
• You will receive a medical evaluation and treatment for your injury or illness.  The physician who treats you will be responsible for coordinating all of your medical treatments; and if necessary, to include a referral to a specialist.

If you choose to go to a medical facility or physician other than a designated provider, you will be responsible for all medical services incurred!

• At the end of each medical appointment, you will receive a physician’s statement which will contain the following information:
• the diagnosis of your injury or illness
• the date you may return to work
• the date you should return for follow-up care
• any restrictions for performing job duties (i.e., restrictions on lifting, climbing stairs)
• The first three days of time off for a work-related injury or illnesses are not covered under workers’ compensation and may be charged to your accrued sick leave or vacation leave, or taken as leave without pay.  All time lost after the initial three days will be compensated under the college’s Workers’ Compensation policy and will be paid to you directly by the insurance carrier.  If you take time off due to a work related injury/illness without approval by the designated medical provider, the time will be applied to sick leave or vacation leave, or charged as leave without pay.
• If you return to work after treatment and/or time off and continue to have problems as a result of your illness or injury, notify your supervisor and human resources immediately so further medical evaluation and treatment may be provided.
• If your injury or illness occurs or if medical treatment is required outside of regular office hours (Monday - Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm) go to Memorial Urgent Care, Penrose Urgent Care, Penrose Emergency Room, or Memorial Emergency Room.  Call campus safety to coordinate transportation.  Inform the treating facility it is a work related injury, and ask them to send all reports and bills to the attention of human resources.  Please do not provide your personal medical insurance information at time of service.  Notify your supervisor and human resources of the injury or illness immediately the next business day.
• If immediate care is not required, please call human resources to assist you with setting up an appointment with one of our designated providers.
• If your injury or illness occurs outside of the Colorado Springs area (i.e., BACA, CC Cabin, while working in the field, etc.), go to the nearest medical facility for treatment, and then contact human resources as soon as possible.  Notify the medical facility that the treatment you are receiving is for a work related injury or illness and ask them to forward all billings, physician reports, or any other correspondence to:

Colorado College
Human Resources
830 N. Tejon Street, Suite 301
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 389-6104, Fax (719) 389-6926

Designated providers

Centura Centers for Occupational Medicine (CCOM)
3030 N. Circle, Suite 210
(719) 776-4800 

Centura Centers for Occupational Medicine (CCOM)
6011 E. Woodman Rd., Suite 100
(719) 571-8888

Memorial Hospital Occupational Health Center
175 S. Union, Suite 375
(719) 365-6840 

Worker’s Compensation insurance carrier is Pinnacol Assurance.