5 Reasons Prompt Injury Reporting Matters

• Timely reporting of workplace injuries is essential for protecting employees and controlling claim costs. In California, employers have a legal responsibility to act quickly when an injury occurs. 

Key Deadlines

1. 8 hours: For serious injuries or fatalities:  Report to Cal/OSHA (Title 8 §342) within 8 hours.
2. 1 day: Employers must provide a workers' compensation claim form (DWC1) to the injured worker within one working day of learning about a work-related injury or illness.
3. 14 days: Insurers must respond to the initial report.
4. 90 days: Insurers must accept or deny a claim within 90 days of employer notification.
5. Up to $10,000 in medical treatment must be covered during the investigation period, even if the claim is later denied. 

Why Early Reporting Matters

Reporting injuries promptly helps:

1. Speed up access to medical care. Missing deadlines may cause claims to be delayed or denied.
2. Reduce claim costs and staffing disruptions.
3. Detect potential fraud early.
4. Save money. OSHA/Cal/OSHA non-compliance penalties can be steep (e.g., $5,000+). 
5. Prevent litigation. Ensuring timely filing protects from legal exposure and secures medical/wage benefits swiftly.

Risks of Delay

Delays can lead to:

1. Higher out-of-pocket costs for employees
2. Legal complications
3. Increased premiums 

What Should Be Reported?

All of the following should be reported:

1. Business errand injuries
2. Office party or company event injuries
3. Parking lot incidents
4. Fights between coworkers
5. If you're unsure - report it. 

Accident prevention starts with leadership. For more safety resources, visit our customer portal, https://app.peiwc.com  or contact us at (888) 472-9001.