Steps to Take When a Work-Related Employee Injury Occurs

Important:  All claims for work-related injuries must be reported immediately to
University Risk Management

Phone:  (303) 860-5682

Fax: (303) 860-5680

1.      Assess the severity of the employee's injury.

Is the injury threatening to life or limb?

Yes:     Stay calm and assess the situation. Administer first aid if required and you are trained to do so.  Call 911 for transport to nearest emergency room.

No:       If the injury requires no medical treatment, submit the Employee’s Injury Report Form to URM (see Step 2). If the injury requires medical care, direct or accompany your employee to Denver’s Designated Medical Provider *(DMP).

2.  Complete and Submit the “Employee’s Injury Report Form.”

These forms are available on-line here.  If you have any questions about filling out the form, contact URM at (303) 860-5682 or 315-2730 for instructions. Please provide a complete and detailed description of how the injury occurred. Incomplete forms may result in delays. Submit electronically - OR - Fax to (303) 860-5680  

 IMPORTANT:  The form must be submitted to URM within four (4) business days of the injury. Failure to do so may result in penalties. 

3.  Review the Physicians Report

The injured employee will receive a Physicians Report after every visit. The employee should then give a copy of this form to their supervisor immediately after each appointment.

• The report will provide information regarding any restrictions (such as lifting, movements, etc.) that the employee needs to adhere to. Compare the restrictions given by the physician to the employee's daily job duties. Assess whether your department can temporarily modify the injured employee's job duties to accommodate the restrictions. If you do not understand or cannot accommodate the restrictions, immediately call the URM Adjuster assigned to the claim or the campus Risk Management office at 303-315-2730, for clarification and recommendations.

4.    Subsequent Steps to Take

• A workers’ compensation “adjuster” at URM will be assigned to your claim. The adjuster will be in communication with you throughout the claim. Carefully read each workers’ compensation document sent to you, and call your adjuster if you have questions.


• Review the online sections titled “Workers’ Compensation Guidelines for Supervisor and Payroll Liaisons.” Proper and timely reporting of injury-related leave is important for insurance purposes and the employee’s leave balances.

You may also call Melody West at (303) 315-2730. 

*The Colorado Worker’s Compensation Act provides that it is the right of the employer, in the first instance, to choose the medical provider for treatment of employees injured on the job. It is important to the University that employees of Denver have access to quality medical care and, at the same time, to assure that they receive only necessary and appropriate medical treatment.

Any employee injured on the job must obtain medical treatment from the authorized designated medical provider (DMP). The ONLY exception to this policy will be in the event of a life or limb threatening injury, in which case the nearest medical facility should be accessed. Any medical treatment for a non-life or limb-threatening injury at a facility other than with the DMP will be considered unauthorized medical treatment, and will not be paid by either the University or the office of University Risk Management.