Legislation would provide benefits to workers who have experienced a traumatic event in the workplace
DENVER, CO–The House Committee on Business Affairs and Labor today passed Representative Jonathan Singer’s legislation to provide worker’s compensation for employees who have experienced visual and audible psychological trauma. The committee approved the bill unanimously
“911 dispatchers and operators expose themselves to trauma from hearing some of the most violent and tragic situations imaginable, and they do it for the sake of helping us and our communities,” said Rep. Singer, D-Longmont. “PTSD can be a life-altering diagnosis. With this legislation, we can give the brave men and women who help us during crises the time they need to heal and get back to their life-saving work.”
SB20-026 would provide worker’s compensation for criminal justice employees who were exposed to death while they were working if they were diagnosed by a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist with PTSD. Under the bill, workers who experience either a visual or audible exposure to death or serious bodily injury, or the immediate aftermath of these events would be eligible for worker’s compensation. The eligibility also extends to workers who were repeatedly exposed to these qualifying events. The bill passed the Senate with a vote of 30-2.