Why Reporting Workplace Incidents Matters Stats and Facts

FACTS

1. Unreported incidents can result in similar or more severe events occurring in the future.
2. Failing to report incidents may violate health and safety regulations, leading to penalties or fines.
3. Without full reporting, organizations can’t track trends or evaluate the effectiveness of safety measures.
4. Critical fixes to equipment, procedures, or training may be postponed if incidents are not documented.
5. When incidents are ignored, employees may feel their safety is not a priority, reducing morale and participation in safety programs.
6. Unreported incidents can escalate into major events with significant financial, medical, and operational consequences.

STATS

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that all work-related fatalities be reported within 8 hours, and serious injuries (amputations, hospitalizations, or loss of an eye) within 24 hours. Failure to report may result in fines up to $14,502 per violation. (osha.gov)
• A National Safety Council (NSC) study found that workplaces with strong reporting practices experienced 40% fewer repeat accidents. (nsc.org)
• The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) reports that prompt incident reporting improves hazard identification and reduces recurrence rates by 25%.
• WorkSafeBC data shows that employers who investigate and act on incident reports see a 20–25% drop in time-loss claims over three years.
• The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) found that effective incident reporting reduces serious injury rates by 37%.
• According to Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, accurate incident reporting contributed to a 35% decrease in workplace safety citations across inspected facilities.