Washington’s Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has issued new rules stating that all work-related motor vehicle accidents that result in amputation, loss of an eye, in-patient hospitalization, or fatality must be promptly reported to the agency. Previously, L&I allowed an exception for accidents that occurred on a public street or highway, as long as they didn’t occur in a construction work zone.
We reported in June 2015 that L&I’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) had updated Washington’s rules on reporting such work-related injuries to mostly be in line with federal OSHA’s updated requirements. Federal OSHA allows an exception for motor vehicle accidents on a public street or highway outside a construction zone, but apparently L&I (DOSH) didn’t intend to incorporate that exception. The requirement for Washington employers to report all covered motor vehicle accidents took effect on December 23, 2016.
Tips: Work-related injuries resulting in amputations or loss of an eye must be reported to L&I (DOSH) within 24 hours of learning of the injury. Fatalities and in-patient hospitalizations must be reported within 8 hours. For more information, see our Legal Guide, “Catastrophe/Fatality Notification Procedure.”
