Why, How & to Whom Accidents must be Reported as per OSHA?

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Introduction

Why, How & to Whom Accidents must be Reported as per OSHA, Reporting accidents related to workplace is a legal requirement as per OSHA 1904.39(a)(3), and it is also a moral duty of employer to report accidents by which victim can easily claim his insurance, in this article we will discuss in depth and accident reporting procedure set by OSHA.

Why, How & Whom Accidents must be Reported as per OSHA

Brown Stock photos by Vecteezy

What is Accident:

An accident is an unforeseen event that results in damage, injury, or harm to people, property, or the environment. It can occur due to various factors such as human error, mechanical failure, or natural causes.

What is Reportable Accident:

Accident which lead extra care than first aid, if the victim died due to accident or hospitalized or loss any parts of the body is considered as reportable accident.

What is Fatality:

If person died due to accident then it will be considered as fatality case.

Does all accident reportable:

Any accident beyond first aid treatment need to be reported, if victim need exta care, hospitalized or any severe injury due to which he can't continue his normal shift such accidents must be reported.

Why accidents must be reported:

Accidents must be reported for investigation to find the root cause of accident, by root cause analysis we can find the cause of accident and rectify it to stop similar accidents in future.

Whom to report an Accident:

Accidents related to workplace must be reported to OSHA, U.S Department of Labor.

Reporting a Fatality:

As per OSHA 1904.39(a)(1), If due to workplace accident any workmen died, then accident must be reported within 8 hours to OSHA, U.S Department of Labor.

Reporting a hospitalized case:

As per OSHA 1904.39(a)(2), If due to accident of victim need to hospitalized or he have losses his eye, then accident must be reported within 24 hours to OSHA, U.S Department of Labor.

How to report an Accident:

There are various way to report an accident to OSHA, U.S Department of Labor.

Following are the different ways of accident reporting.

1. 1904.39(a)(3)(i)

You can report the incident either by telephone or in person to the OSHA Area Office closest to the site of the incident.

2. 1904.39(a)(3)(ii)

You can report the incident by calling the toll-free central telephone number for OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (1-800-321-6742).

3. 1904.39(a)(3)(ii)

By electronic submission using the reporting application located on OSHA's public Web site at www.osha.gov.

4. 1904.39(b)(1)

If the Area Office is closed, can I submit a report of the fatality, in-patient hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye by leaving a message on OSHA's answering machine, faxing the Area Office, or sending an email? No, if the Area Office is closed, you must report the fatality, in-patient hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye using either the 800 number or the reporting application on OSHA's public website at www.osha.gov.

Information need to submit to OSHA about accident:

The name of the business or facility.
The site name of the work-related incident.
The Time of accident took place.
The nature of the reportable event (such as fatality, in-patient hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye).
The number of employees who suffered due to accident.
The names of the employees who suffered by accident.
The individual you can contact and their telephone number.
A brief description of accident.

Conclusion

In conclusion, adhering to OSHA regulations and promptly reporting workplace accidents is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of employees. By promptly reporting incidents, employers fulfill their duty to protect workers and promote a safe working environment.

OSHA Reporting FAQs

Q: What incidents must be reported to OSHA?: A: Incidents such as fatalities, in-patient hospitalizations, amputations, or loss of an eye must be reported to OSHA.
Q: How soon must a fatality be reported?: A: A fatality must be reported within eight (8) hours of its occurrence.
Q: What is considered an in-patient hospitalization?: A: An in-patient hospitalization refers to a formal admission to the in-patient service of a hospital or clinic for care or treatment.
Q: Is observation or diagnostic testing considered in-patient hospitalization?: A: No, observation or diagnostic testing alone does not constitute in-patient hospitalization for reporting purposes.
Q: How soon must an in-patient hospitalization be reported?: A: An in-patient hospitalization must be reported within twenty-four (24) hours of its occurrence.
Q: What is the definition of an amputation according to OSHA?: A: An amputation is the traumatic loss of a limb or other external body part, including partial or complete severance, fingertip amputations, and medical amputations.
Q: What incidents are excluded from the definition of amputation?: A: Avulsions, enucleations, deglovings, scalpings, severed ears, and broken or chipped teeth are excluded from the definition of amputation.
Q: Is there a timeframe for reporting amputations?: A: Yes, amputations must be reported to OSHA within twenty-four (24) hours of their occurrence.
Q: What if I don't immediately know if an incident is work-related?: A: If the work-relatedness of an incident is not immediately known, the report must be made to OSHA within the specified timeframes once it is determined to be work-related.
Q: Do I need to report incidents involving only observation or diagnostic testing?: A: No, incidents involving only observation or diagnostic testing do not need to be reported to OSHA.