(DENVER) — Governor Jared Polis has proclaimed June 2026 to be Workplace Safety Month in Colorado. While June is recognized nationwide as National Safety Month, the Governor’s proclamation focuses state attention on the fundamental necessity of occupational hazard mitigation and continuous safety training required to keep Colorado’s labor force safe on the job.
According to 2024 estimates from the National Safety Council, the total nationwide economic burden of workplace injuries and fatalities reached $181.4 billion. Beyond the staggering financial cost, workplace accidents inflict profound physical, emotional, and mental tolls on injured workers, their families, and their colleagues.
In Colorado over the past year, there were 30,629 workers’ compensation claims officially reported to the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DOWC), with 92 involving fatalities. This does not account for injuries that occur and are unreported. These realities underscore the undeniable need for comprehensive employer safety programs and proactive risk-reduction policies.
Housed within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), the DOWC's Premium Cost Containment (PCC) Program assists and rewards business owners who showcase an exemplary commitment to accident prevention and workplace safety management. Prioritizing employee safety directly supports sustainable job environments, mitigates workforce burnout, builds organizational resilience, and can be a recruitment and retention advantage for employers. Businesses that achieve and maintain their PCC certification qualify for a discount of up to 10% on their workers’ compensation insurance premiums.
This June, the DOWC is celebrating PCC-certified employers operating within the healthcare and medical service industries. These essential organizations represent a cornerstone of the state's infrastructure, dedicating their operations to healing, rehabilitation, and long-term community care. Because medical settings present unique physical and emotional hazards, maintaining safety benchmarks is paramount to protecting our front-line caregivers and their support staff.
The 2026 Workplace Safety Month medical and healthcare service honorees include:
- Cheyenne Village Inc.
- San Luis Valley Health
- North Range Behavioral Health
- Radiology Imaging Associates, P.C.
- Community Connections, Inc.
- Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center
- Hilltop Community Resources, Inc.
The DOWC will recognize the honorees above by promoting their commitment to workplace safety across CDLE’s social media channels throughout June.
Workers’ compensation provides medical care and wage benefits for injured workers and is required for all employers with employees operating in Colorado. Failure to carry this insurance can leave employers responsible for the full cost of an uninsured injury, as well as fines. The DOWC is available to support both employers and workers. If you have any questions about workers’ compensation requirements, how to file a claim, or how to become PCC-certified, please call the DOWC Customer Service team at 303-318-8700.
About the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation
The Division of Workers’ Compensation within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment administers and enforces the provisions of the Workers’ Compensation Act. The DOWC works to ensure that disability and medical benefits are delivered to injured workers quickly, efficiently, and with minimal litigation. The DOWC regulates legal, insurance, and medical issues in the workers’ compensation system and mediates related disputes. The Division is funded by cash funds.
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