Reporting Severe Injuries — The 8-Hour and 24-Hour Rules

• Fatality — report within 8 hours of finding out, if the death occurred within 30 days of the work-related incident (1904.39(a)(1), (b)).
• In-patient hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye — report within 24 hours of finding out, if it occurred within 24 hours of the work-related incident (1904.39(a)(2), (b)).

'In-patient hospitalization' means being formally admitted — not just an ER visit for observation or treatment. An amputation includes loss of a fingertip with bone loss.

There are three ways to make the report (1904.39(a)(3)):

• Call the nearest OSHA Area Office (or report in person).
• Call the OSHA toll-free line, 1-800-321-OSHA (1-800-321-6742).
• Use the online reporting form on OSHA's public website.

The report has to include (1904.39(b)(2)): the business name; the location and time of the incident; the type of event (fatality, hospitalization, amputation, or eye loss); the number of workers affected; their names; a contact person and phone number; and a brief description of what happened.

Frontline workers don't make the OSHA call themselves — but they make it possible by reporting fast and accurately up the chain. If a severe injury happens, the employer's 8- or 24-hour clock is already running, so the supervisor and safety lead need to know immediately.

Also worth knowing: it's good practice not to disturb the scene of a fatality or catastrophe except to help victims or prevent another incident. That's operational guidance, not a Part 1904 requirement, but it protects the investigation that follows.