OSHA Clarifies COVID-19 Reporting Requirements

Posted November 16, 2020

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published two additional answers to its list of COVID-19 frequently asked questions (FAQs). The new answers clarify when employers must report COVID-19 in-patient hospitalizations and fatalities.

Reporting Hospitalizations

OSHA requires employers to report in-patient hospitalizations only if the hospitalization occurs within 24 hours of an exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace. As a result, employers must report COVID-19 hospitalizations only if the hospitalizations are:

• For in-patient treatment; and
• The result of a work-related case of COVID-19.

The report must be submitted within 24 hours of the time the employer determines there was an in-patient hospitalization caused by a COVID-19 case. Hospitalization for diagnostic testing or observation only is not “in-patient” hospitalization.

Reporting Fatalities

OSHA requires employers to report fatalities that occur within 30 days of an exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in the workplace.

Fatality reports must be submitted within eight hours of the time the employer learns that the fatality took place and that it was due to a work-related exposure.

Recording Requirements

These FAQs address only reporting requirements for COVID-19. Employers can review their COVID-19 recording requirements on OSHA’s website.

OSHA Reporting Deadlines

Fatalities
Report workplace fatalities to OSHA within eight hours.

Severe Injuries
Report amputations, eye loss, and in-patient hospitalizations to OSHA within 24 hours.

Exception
Reporting is not required for:

• Motor vehicle accidents on a public street or highway (except in a construction work zone); or
• Commercial or public transportation system incidents.