In the event of a work-related injury or illness, the first thing to do is to assess the situation. If the situation is potentially life or limb threatening, contact 911 and seek treatment at your nearest Emergency Department. 

If your injury is not life or limb threatening, immediately notify your supervisor or human resources representative that you sustained an injury. You will likely be directed to fill out a First Report of Injury or an Incident Report as part of the injury notification process. When filling out this report, attempt to provide as much detail about the incident as possible. 

• What day and time did the injury occur?
• Where did the injury occur?
• What were you doing at the time of the injury?
• Were there any circumstances that led to your injury? 
• For example, if you were carrying a box down the hallway and fell over a chair that had been left in the hallway, that is a very important detail to include. Likewise, if you were walking into work and there was ice in the parking lot and you slipped on the ice, be sure to include that detail. 
• Were there any witnesses to the incident? If so, include their names and contact information.
• Describe the incident in detail. If you fell, be sure to note how you fell, what parts of your body are injured and where you are experiencing pain. Be as detailed and descriptive as you can be.

After you have provided your employer or human resources representative with your report of the incident, you should be provided with a list of Designated Medical Providers. Designated Medical Providers are a listing of approved medical providers for you to select from to be evaluated and receive treatment. It is important that you make this decision carefully as many clinics vary in the types of medical providers and services offered as well as the degree to which the facility specializes in Occupational Medicine and work-related injuries. Convenience may not be as important as the quality of the care and service you will receive. If you are not happy with the medical provider that you initially selected, speak with your employer or insurance carrier and request to change medical providers. 

The State of Colorado has resources available to help employers and workers together navigate work-related injuries and illnesses.

Other helpful links for patients and employers to manage the administration of a claim are:

• DOWC Injured Worker Guide
• DOWC Important Claims Timeline