New reporting requirements: Employers required to report fatalities and severe injuries and illnesses

As of Jan. 1, 2015, employers covered by federal OSHA are now required to report work-related fatalities within 8 hours and work-related in-patient hospitalizations, amputations and losses of an eye within 24 hours of finding out about the incident.

Previously, employers were required to report all workplace fatalities and when three or more workers were hospitalized in the same incident. The updated reporting requirements have a life-saving purpose: they will enable employers and workers to prevent future injuries by identifying and eliminating the most serious workplace hazards.

Employers currently have two options for reporting these severe incidents to OSHA. They can call their nearest area office during normal business hours or they can call the 24-hour OSHA hotline at 1-800-321-OSHA (1-800-321-6742). For more information and resources, visit OSHA's Web page on the updated reporting requirements and watch OSHA's new YouTube video, where Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health, explains the new reporting requirements.

As of January 1, 2015: All employers* must report:  Work-related fatalities within 8 hours Within 24 hours, work-related:  Inpatient hospitalizations Amputations Losses of an eye  How to Report Incident Call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) (can be used during all hours) Call your nearest OSHA area office, during normal business hours (www.osha.gov/html/RAmap.html)

Source: OSHA.gov