CSLB Law & Business ExamSafetyMedium
A worker is hospitalized overnight for surgery after a scaffolding collapse. Within what timeframe must the employer report this serious injury to Cal/OSHA?
- AWithin 30 days
- BWithin 8 hours
- CBy the end of the next business day
- DWithin 72 hours
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Within 8 hours
California Labor Code §6409.1 and Title 8 CCR §342 require employers to immediately report any serious injury, illness, or death to Cal/OSHA, and 'immediately' is defined as no later than 8 hours after the employer knew or should have known of the incident.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 30 days is far too long and would violate the reporting law.
- C. Waiting until the next business day could exceed the 8-hour requirement.
- D. 72 hours exceeds the legally mandated reporting window.
Serious Injury Reporting Timeline
Employers must report a serious injury, illness, or death to Cal/OSHA within 8 hours of learning of the incident.
- Governed by Labor Code §6409.1 and 8 CCR §342
- Report by phone or online Cal/OSHA reporting system
- Late reporting can trigger civil penalties
Memory trick: 8 hours, no excuses—call Cal/OSHA