The New FAQs Clarify When Employers Must Report COVID-19 Hospitalizations and Fatalities
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.