Reporting of Death & Serious Workplace Injuries

RSA 277:15-b

Effective July 14, 2019, the legislature adopted RSA 277:15-b applicable to the reporting and investigation of death or serious bodily injury in the workplace. The statute provides that employers must report the death of any person in the workplace or on the workplace premises, including the cause of death and location where the body was sent, to the department of labor by telephone or electronically within 8 hours of the occurrence. Employers must report the serious injury of any person in the workplace or on the workplace premises, including the cause of the injury and place where the person was sent for evaluation, within 24 hours. A “serious injury” is “an incident that results in an amputation, loss or fracture of any body part, head injury, or internal injury that necessitates immediate hospitalization.” RSA 277:1-b, V. The commissioner shall investigate incidents resulting in death and may investigate those resulting in serious injury, and in either case may notify the employer of precautions to be taken to prevent future accidents. In the case of a report of either death or serious injury, a statement contained in any such report shall not be admissible in evidence in any action arising out of the injury or death.