Why should you report every incident?
Education employees should report all incidents of workplace injury, illness, or dangerous student behavior. Without consistent, accurate reporting of workplace injuries, it is hard to get an accurate picture of the problem. Every report strengthens our case for additional staffing, funding and training to keep students and staff safe.
Always send a copy of your incident report to your OSEA field representative! This helps OSEA identify patterns of harm and ensure your employer is following the law, including taking action to mitigate hazards. Keep a copy of your report for your own records, too.
Find your employer’s reporting policy
Thanks to OSEA advocacy, since 2013 all school districts in Oregon are required to establish an incident reporting policy. Find out how to complete a report before you need to; ask your supervisor of OSEA chapter president for a copy of your district’s reporting policy. You can also find a copy on the Oregon School Board Association (OSBA)’s website. (Select your school district, then search policy code EBBB to locate the injury/illness policy.) If you are not allowed to access an incident report form when you need it, let your chapter president and field representative know right away.
Report serious injuries to Oregon OSHA
If your injury is serious, your employer must complete an OSHA 300 Log within seven days of the incident. A work-related injury or illness is considered serious if it meets one or more of the general recording criteria:
- Death
- Days away from work
- Restricted work or transfer to another job
- Medical treatment beyond first aid
- Loss of consciousness
- A significant injury or illness diagnosed by a licensed health care professional
NOTE: Most serious injuries and illnesses will meet at least one of the criteria listed above. But there are some serious injuries, such as a punctured eardrum or fractured toe or rib, for which neither medical treatment nor work restrictions may be recommended. Cancer, chronic irreversible diseases, fractured or cracked bones and punctured ear drums are generally considered serious and need to be recorded at the initial diagnosis, even if medical treatment or work restrictions are not recommended or are postponed.
Notify your supervisor of a serious work-related injury or illness as soon as possible. Your employer must complete an OSHA 300 Log within seven calendar days of the incident.
What happens to your report?
Injured workers should keep copies of all their reports and share the report with their chapter president, OSEA field representative and safety committee officer. Employees, former employees, safety officers and OSEA field representatives can request copies of current or stored OSHA 300 logs; the district must provide the form by the end of the next business day. These forms can be used to identify causes and trends of injuries to prevent future incidents.
