Reporting Injuries to Cal/OSHA

Cal/OSHA continues to issue a substantial number of citations at California K-12 public schools, including schools in Sonoma County, for failing to report “serious” injuries, illnesses, and fatalities immediately.  “Immediately” means reporting the incident to the American Canyon Cal/OSHA District Office as soon as possible but not longer than 8-hours after the employer knows or with “diligent inquiry” would have known of the serious injury, illness, or death. 

This 8-hour reporting requirement applies even if the incident occurs “after hours”, on a holiday, or weekend.  Reporting of the incident must come from the employer (school district).  RESIG cannot report to Cal/OSHA for the employer.

A “serious” physical injury or illness requiring immediate reporting to Cal/OSHA is defined by law as “any injury or illness occurring in the place of employment or in connection with employment”, that results in:

  • Inpatient hospitalization for other than medical observation or diagnostic testing.
  • The loss of any member of the body.
  • Any serious degree of permanent disfigurement.
  • Impairment sufficient to cause a part of the body or the function of an organ to become permanently and significantly reduced inefficiency on or off the job, including, but not limited to, depending on the severity, second-degree or worse burns, crushing injuries including internal injuries even though the skin surface may be intact, respiratory illnesses, or broken bones.

  Non-compliance with this Cal/OSHA regulation is a mandatory $5,000 civil penalty.

When in doubt as to whether to report an injury or illness to Cal/OSHA, it’s always best to report.  Please contact RESIG’s Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Department if you have any questions or concerns regarding these reporting requirements.

To report an injury or illness in Sonoma County call:

Cal/OSHA Enforcement Unit District Office

American Canyon District Office

3419 Broadway St., Ste H8, American Canyon, CA 94503

(707) 649-3700

Fax: (707) 649-3712