Colorado workers now protected by Uninsured Employer Act if injured

Gov. John Hickenlooper on Monday signed into law a measure that creates a fund for injured workers whose employers aren’t insured.

With the Uninsured Employer Act becoming law, the state will continue to fine employers without insurance, in the event of injuries in the workplace, but it will put the funds toward assisting injured workers.

The state always had the right to fine employers that did not supply proper workers’ compensation, but the new law ensures that the money will be used for injured employees, rather than put into a general fund.

Previously, employers without insurance would be fined $250 a day, and could eventually be shut down. The new bill will allow the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment to decide appropriate daily fines.

Read more: http://www.denverpost.com/2017/06/05/colorado-workers-protected-uninsured-employer-act/