Colorado (Federal OSHA)

Colorado has no state OSHA plan, so federal OSHA covers private employers. Fast construction growth along the Front Range, oil and gas fields, mountain work, ski areas, wildfire seasons and altitude shape the hazards here.

• Construction
• General Industry
• Colorado

At a glance

Workers’ comp in Colorado

• Report your injury to your employer in writing. Colorado law lets you lose compensation for each day you’re late beyond 4 days, and the report is required within 10 days. Report right away.
• Your employer must report the injury to its insurer, generally within 10 days.
• Your employer generally gives you a list of designated medical providers, and you pick from it. If you go to a provider outside the list without approval, you may have to pay the bills. Ask before you get treatment.
• A claim generally must be filed within 2 years of the injury (3 years with a good excuse in some cases).

See Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim.

Colorado hazards to watch

• Altitude and cold: thin air, sun and sudden weather changes raise the risk of illness and exposure. See Cold Stress.
• Wildfire smoke: see Wildfire Smoke.
• Oil and gas: see Oil & Gas Well Sites and Hydrogen Sulfide.
• Construction at height and on slopes: see Roof Work and Slopes & Unstable Ground.
• Winter driving and mountain roads: see Winter Driving and Rural & Mountain Roads.
• Heat: Colorado has no general state heat rule for most workers, but federal OSHA expects water, rest and shade. See Heat Illness Rules by State.

Report, complain and get help

• Severe injuries: report a death within 8 hours and an in-patient hospitalization, amputation or loss of an eye within 24 hours to federal OSHA.
• Safety complaints: federal OSHA online or at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742).
• Retaliation: file with OSHA within 30 days. See Whistleblower Protection.
• Free consultation: confidential visits that don’t lead to citations. See OSHA Consultation.

Your first-week checklist in Colorado

• Ask for the list of designated workers’ comp providers
• Report any injury to your employer in writing right away
• Pack water, sun protection and layers for sudden weather
• Know the smoke and fire plan for wildfire season
• Save federal OSHA’s number: 1-800-321-OSHA (6742)

Last updated: October 4, 2026