Reporting Work-Related Injuries: What You Should Know

It's the employer's duty to report certain work-related injuries that occur on the job. When a worker is injured, the employer may or may be required to report the incident to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). To learn more about the nuances of reporting occupational injury, keep reading.

Injuries that Require Hospitalization

OSHA requires employers to report all work-related injuries that require hospitalization within 24 hours from when the incident occurred. If a worker requires hospital treatment related to an injury that he or she sustained on the job, the employer must report it within 24 hours; otherwise, they face fines and/or other penalties handed down by OSHA.

Amputations

In addition to injuries requiring hospitalization, employers must also report all injuries involving amputation.

Only fatalities occurring within 30 days of the work-related incident must be reported to OSHA. Further, for an in-patient hospitalization, amputation or loss of an eye, these incidents must be reported to OSHA only if they occur within 24 hours of the work-related incident.

Fatalities

So, when must an employer report a fatality to OSHA? According to the Administration's website, all fatalities must be reported within eight hours. However, OSHA also says that only fatalities occurring 30 days of the incident must be reported. If the fatality occurs 30 or fewer days after the work-related incident, for instance, it must be reported.

"Only fatalities occurring within 30 days of the work-related incident must be reported to OSHA," explained OSHA on its website. "Furthermore, for an in-patient hospitalization, amputation or loss of an eye, these incidents must be reported to OSHA only if they occur within 24 hours of the work-related incident."

How to Report Work-Related Injuries and Fatalities

Now for the million-dollar question: how do I report work-related injuries and fatalities to OSHA? There are several different ways to accomplish this, one of which is by calling OSHA's toll-free number at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742). Alternatively, employers may call their nearest OSHA area office during business hours. A third option is to use OSHA's new online form, which allows employers to report injuries over the Internet instead of via the telephone.