Claims Kit

Posting Requirements

The Iowa Occupational Safety and Health Act requires that employees be informed of the job safety and health protection provided under the Act. The poster, Safety and Health Protection on the Job, is to be used for this purpose, and must be posted in a prominent place in the establishment to which the employees usually report to work. The poster briefly states the intent and coverage of the Act and the responsibilities of employers and employees to maintain safe and healthful working conditions

Reporting of Claim by Employer 86.11 

An Employer's First Report of injury must be filed with the workers' compensation commissioner when an employee alleges an injury arising out of and in the course of employment, which results in time loss from work of more than three days, permanent injury or death. The report is to be filed with the workers' compensation commissioner within four days of notice or knowledge of such alleged injury.

Filing a first report of injury is not an admission of liability. The report to the workers' compensation commissioner of injury is without prejudice to the employer or insurance carrier and shall not be admitted in evidence or used in any trial or hearing before any court, the workers' compensation commissioner or a deputy workers' compensation commissioner.

Penalties for Late Reporting 86.12  

The Workers' Compensation Commissioner may require an employer to appear and show cause why the employer should not be subject to a civil penalty of $1,000.00 per occurrence for failure to comply with the reporting or inspection requirements. Upon hearing, if the facts indicate, the commissioner may enter an order requiring payment of such penalty. Unless voluntarily paid, the commissioner may petition the district court for entry of judgment on the order. The employer's insurance carrier shall be responsible in the same manner and to the same extent as the employer when a report of injury has been submitted to the employer's insurance carrier and not filed by them with the Workers' Compensation Commissioner.

Physician Selection 85.27

The employer has the choice of physician.

If the employee is dissatisfied with the care offered, the employee should discuss the problem with the employer or insurance carrier. In certain situations the employee may wish to request alternate care. If the employer or insurance carrier does not allow alternate care, the employee (through appropriate proceedings) may apply to the Workers' Compensation Commissioner for alternate medical care.