June 5, 2014. Any workplace fatalities are required to be reported to OSHA within eight (8) hours after the work-related death of any employee occurs. Employers must orally report the fatality/multiple hospitalizations by telephone or in person to the OSHA Area Office or to the State Plan Office that is nearest to the site of the incident. Employers may also use the OSHA toll-free central telephone number, 1-800-321-OSHA (1-800-321-6742).
OSHA reports that since October 1, 2013, through the first week of May 2014, there have been nearly 800 workplace fatalities reported occurring in the United States. The law provides that if an employee should die resulting from a workplace accident that is the result of an employer's willful violation of an OSHA safety regulation, the employer company (including responsible management employees) can be criminally prosecuted for misdemeanor homicide. It is important for companies to appreciate the fact that violations of OSHA safety regulations can mean more than just paying a fine and taking steps to eliminate the potential hazard involved. For that reason alone, paying attention to workplace safety and making sure safety compliance is the first priority for workers and the employer is of paramount importance. It is perhaps a greater concern for small businesses who often overlook the need for OSHA compliance.
For more information regarding risk management and OSHA reporting requirements, contact the Goosmann Law Firm at info@goosmannlaw.com or call 712-226-4000.
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