Learning From Workplace Fatalities

How do I report a workplace fatality?

As referenced in the Core Rules, WAC 296-800-320, Accident Reporting and Investigation:

• Contact the nearest office of the Department of Labor and Industries in person or by phone at 1-800-4BE SAFE (1-800-423-7233) to report within 8 hours of the work-related incident that causes:
  • A fatality or possibly fatal injury; or,
  • An injury that results in in-patient hospitalization
    OR
  • Contact the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) by calling its central number at 1-800-321-6742.
• Provide the following information concerning any accident involving a fatality or the in-patient hospitalization of an employee:
  • Name of the employer
  • Location of the incident
  • Time and date of the incident
  • Number of fatalities or hospitalized employees or pesticide exposure
  • Contact person
  • Phone number
  • Brief description of the incident.

Workplace fatalities and injuries that result in hospitalization are preventable

Washington has one of the nation's lowest workplace death rates. Working together, we want to prevent all serious injuries. Below are Fatality Bulletins that may be helpful in your safety meetings.

Please read the following fatality bulletins with prevention in mind. Most, if not all, accidents and fatalities are preventable through adherence to careful planning, application of engineering controls, and approved work practices. It is our hope that by providing information about these tragic losses in the workplace, another worker may not experience a similar incident. This material may be copied, discussed, and should be shared widely.

Fatality Bulletins from L&I (in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) Format)

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Title	Release Date
Employee Killed when Clothing Caught on Power Take-Off Shaft	July 17th, 2008
Employee Killed Maintaining Hydraulics on Forklift	June 27th, 2008

 

If you are a worker, an employer, a family member, or friend of a worker, and are concerned about possible unsafe work practices, call your local office of the Department of Labor and Industries and ask to speak to a safety and health professional. You can also report fatalities and get other WISHA information by calling 1-800-4-BE-SAFE (1-800-423-7233).