A worker is admitted to hospital for treatment at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, and the superintendent first learns of it at 9 a.m. the same day. There are no exigent circumstances. By when must Cal/OSHA be told, and what else does the employer owe?
Explanation
Section 342(a) requires the report immediately, meaning as soon as practically possible and never more than 8 hours after the employer KNOWS, or with diligent inquiry would have known, of the serious injury. The clock therefore starts at 9 a.m. when the superintendent learned of it, not at 6 a.m. when the worker was admitted, and it runs out at 5 p.m. The 24-hour figure applies only where the employer can demonstrate exigent circumstances, and there are none. Separately, Labor Code §6409.1(a) requires a report on every injury with treatment beyond first aid within five days of the employer obtaining knowledge; the 8-hour call does not replace it.
Law Reference: 8 CCR §342(a); Labor Code §6409.1(a)-(b)This topic, taught in full in the CSLB Law & Business guide. CSLB Law & Business — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $24.99 · 14-day refund →
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