Boulder County was self-insured from the 1980’s through 2020, when the County made the decision to become fully insured for Workers’ Compensation. As a part of this administrative change, a Safety Specialist was added to our workplace injury program. This role is primary to safety, in addition to being a liaison to all parties. Boulder County is currently insured by Pinnacol Assurance for new and existing claims.
Boulder County now has a desire to secure self-insurance licensing once again. Self-Insurance will support our desire to bolster a more collaborative team to include a Third-Party Administrator. Boulder County’s workplace injury program is set up for success and we continue to strive to support our employees with quality medical care, consistent communication, and claims decisions that contribute to optimal outcomes for all. Customer service and a high level of communication for our employees is a priority and has contributed our litigation rate being less than 3%.
Our organizational structure is comprised of 21 Offices and Departments. The Risk Management Division situated in the County Attorney’s Office. Services will cover Boulder County and all elected offices, Boulder County Public Health, and Boulder County Housing Authority. Staff counts are approximately 3,000 which include full time, hourly, and part time staff. Approximately 500 Seasonal employees are hired, the majority being Parks & Open Space and work from approximately May – October each year. During presidential election years we average 1,000 seasonals, on primary years it is closer to 500 for Elections. Workplace injury risks range from administrative to law enforcement. Claims frequency is primary to the Sheriff’s Office, Parks & Open Space, and Public Works. Boulder County has a couple of union groups as well.
Boulder County provides Job Injury Leave continuing wages for 90 calendar days following the date of injury. When an employee cannot return to normal job duties after 90 days, payments will transfer to the statutory workers’ compensation benefit structure.This covers the administration of all new Workers’ Compensation claims from the date Boulder County’s self-insured permit is approved and the excess policy effective date. Boulder County does not have pre-existing claims that would require ongoing administration. All prior self-insured claims have been resolved at the State of Colorado Division level. Risk Management utilize Origami as its Risk Information Management System and would want to maximize it for any data integrations or transfers.
Boulder County is open to creative solutions, including options for improving communication and resolving issues, particularly those to support injured employees and to mitigate litigation. Of particular concern is a high level of communication and team approach as claims are evaluated and plans of action change.
