Workers' Compensation

Statistical Information on Work-Related Injuries

Each year, the Research and Statistics Unit of the Division of Workers’ Compensation publishes a report providing information on work-related injuries, occupational illnesses, and fatalities that occur in Colorado during a subject calendar year. Work Related Injuries in Colorado has been made available for calendar year 2004.* The following facts can be found in the specified pages located in the Work Related Injuries report. This information will help to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about work-related injuries. To view full report in PDF format will require a one time download of Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Interesting Work Related Injury facts:

• Percent distribution of lost-time claims by part of body:

• Injuries to the lower back area and knee are 25% of the lost-time claims.
   
• Strains and sprains are almost 39% of lost-time claims filed.
   
• From 1995 to 2004, Colorado’s average annual employment grew by 18.2%, yet the number of lost-time claims filed has dropped by 15.5%.
   
• Motor Vehicle accidents are the cause of injury in 3.4% of the lost-time claims.

• The Mining sector employs only .7% of the Colorado workforce, yet has the highest rate of claims at 25.8 per 1,000 employed.
   
• The NAICS sub-sector, Couriers and Messengers, has the highest rate of claims at 52.4 per 1,000 employed.
   
• Both males and females injure their back more than any other body part.
   
• Strains and sprains far outnumber other injuries for both males and females.

• Lifting causes strain or injury in the greatest number of lost-time claims filed.

• The percentage of claims caused by strains has risen slightly from 1995-2004, while the rate of claims for strains has declined overall.
   
• The greatest percentage of claims for females is in the Health Care and Social Assistance sector, while for males it is the Construction sector. This difference may merely reflect the gender distribution of the work force.
   

• Both males and females, 40-49, file the greatest percentage of lost time claims.  

• Nearly three-quarters (74.5%) of lost-time claims are admitted.
   
• Construction is the industry sector with the highest number of fatal claims, but Mining is the sector with the highest rate of fatal claims.

• Of those fatalities identified as being of Hispanic-origin, all were Mexican/Mexican-American.
   
• Construction and Extraction workers have the highest number of fatal claims.
   
• On average, claimants represented by attorneys receive larger settlements. This difference is due to a number of factors, including the fact that an attorney more likely represents claimants with more serious injuries.
   
• Females file claims at a higher rate than males for injuries to multiple body parts, wrist and multiple upper extremities.
   
• The rate of claims for hernias is seven times higher for men than for women.

• Males file claims at a higher rate than females in every age group.
   
• Motor vehicle accidents are the cause of death in 31% of fatal claims, but only 3.4% of all lost-time claims.

* The only exception to this statement is the information on hearings reported in Tables 29 and 30 and the information on settlements reported in Table 31and 32. The hearing data are based on applications received, hearings held, or orders issued in 2004, regardless of the date of injury. Settlement information is based on claims that were settled during calendar year 2004. However, the claim itself may have initially been filed in 2004 or a prior year.

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