How to Complete Iowa's First Report of Injury Form for Workers' Compensation

Key Differences in Iowa's First Report of Injury Form

Iowa requires the First Report of Injury (FROI) to be submitted electronically through the Iowa Workers' Compensation Division's online portal within 30 days of the incident. Unlike many states, the form includes a mandatory section for the employer's Workers' Compensation insurance policy number and a separate field for the employee's Iowa Driver's License number if the injury occurred while driving a company vehicle.

Essential Information to Gather

Before opening the portal, collect:

• Employee's full name, address, and Social Security number
• Employer's legal name, address, and Iowa workers' comp policy number
• Date, time, and exact location of the injury
• Detailed description of how the injury happened
• Names of any witnesses and their contact information
• Medical provider's name, address, and initial diagnosis

Step‑by‑Step Completion Process

1. Access the Online Portal

Visit workerscomp.iowa.gov and log in with your employer account. New users must register using the employer's FEIN and the insurance carrier's code.

2. Enter Employer and Employee Details

Fill in the employer's FEIN, policy number, and the employee's personal data exactly as it appears on their I‑9 form. Mismatched numbers trigger validation errors.

3. Describe the Incident

Use concise, factual language. Iowa's form limits the narrative to 250 characters, so focus on who, what, where, when, and how. Avoid medical terminology; the insurer will add that later.

4. Attach Supporting Documents

Upload a PDF of any initial medical report, the employer's incident report, and, if applicable, a copy of the employee's driver's license. Each file must be under 5 MB.

5. Review and Submit

The system runs an automated check for required fields. Correct any highlighted issues, then click "Submit." You will receive an electronic receipt with a reference number; keep it for future correspondence.

Common Errors and How to Avoid Them

Missing the 30‑day deadline is the most frequent violation and can lead to claim denial. Double‑check the submission timestamp in your portal dashboard. Another frequent mistake is entering the employee's home address instead of the worksite address where the injury occurred; the form explicitly asks for the injury location.

What Happens After Submission

Once filed, the Iowa Workers' Compensation Division forwards the report to the employer's insurance carrier. The carrier has five business days to acknowledge receipt and assign a claim number. The employee's medical provider then submits detailed treatment records, which the insurer uses to determine eligibility for wage‑replacement benefits and medical expenses.

Comparison of Iowa's FROI Requirements vs. Neighboring States