Is It Recordable?
Scenario Q229

Reportable Twice?: is it recordable?

Verdict: Not recordable
Published 2021-10-17

Question

An employee is seriously injured at work and is admitted to a hospital. The employer reports the in-patient hospitalization to OSHA within the required timeframe. A week later, the employee dies in the hospital. Does the death also need to be reported to OSHA?

Answer

NO. OSHA does not require a second report of the employee's death. The initial report to OSHA regarding the hospitalization is sufficient.

Letter of InterpretationIt is not OSHA’s intention that related events, each of which are reportable under section 1904.39, be reported twice. If the in-patient hospitalization results in an amputation or a fatality, the employer does not need to report the second event as long as the employer initially reported the in-patient hospitalization within the 24-hour period.

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Illustration for the scenario: Reportable Twice?
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This is guidance based on 29 CFR Part 1904 and OSHA letters of interpretation. Facts and details may be altered or fictional. As specified by OSHA, the employer is responsible for the final recordability determination.