Conducting an Accident Investigation
Course 102
Safety Certified Supervisor Series

MODULE 1: INITIATING THE PROCESS

If required, report the accident

If your company is in the private sector, and a very serious injury or fatality accident occurs, It may be required to report it to OSHA. Let's take a look at the Standard for the specific requirements.

OSHA Reporting.

Employers shall inform the Administrator (or designee) of all fatalities or catastrophes within 8 hours.

A fatality is pretty much self-explanatory. A catastrophe is considered to be three or more serious injuries. Think of an injury as serious if the victim is admitted to the hospital overnight for other than observation. Once the employer has knowledge that any of the above conditions have been met, the eight hour clock starts ticking.