SafetyQuestion 636 of 690

When must an employer report a serious occupational injury, illness, or death to Cal/OSHA?

a.Within 24 hours, by mail or email only
b.Within 7 days, on Form 5020
c.Within 30 days, with a follow-up investigation report
d.Immediately, but in no event more than 8 hours after the employer knows or with diligent inquiry would have known of the death or serious injury/illness

Explanation

Labor Code §6409.1(b) requires an employer to report any 'serious injury or illness' or death IMMEDIATELY, by telephone or through an online platform, but no later than 8 hours after the employer knew or should have known. A 'serious injury or illness' includes inpatient hospitalization (for more than 24 hours other than observation), amputation, or loss of an eye. The 24-hour, 7-day, and 30-day options are common distractors — Form 5020 is the §14001 'Employer's Report of Occupational Injury or Illness' filed with the claims administrator within 5 days, which is a separate workers' comp filing, not the Cal/OSHA serious-injury report.

Law Reference: Labor Code §6409.1

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