Accident Reporting

WSU policy requires that major injuries be reported immediately, and all other injuries be reported within 24 hours.

Report all workplace injuries to your supervisor as soon as possible, and seek medical treatment if needed.

Accidental injury and work-related illness reporting includes the following:

1. Get help. Call for emergency medical assistance when required; telephone 911.
2. Report
   • Report major injuries immediately.  See Reporting Major Accidents table below to notify appropriate University offices.
     • Major injuries include chemical/biological exposure, bone break/fractures, amputation, in patient hospitalization or death.
   • Report all minor injuries within 24 hours.
     • Minor injuries should be reported the same day as quickly as possible.
     • Minor injuries that occur over the weekend or outside of regular business hours (Monday through Friday, outside of 8 am to 5 pm, or over a WSU holiday) should be:
       • Reported the next business day, if reporting could be completed in 24 hours from the injury.
       • Reported to WSU Police, if reporting would fall outside of 24 hours from the time of injury. WSU Police’s non-emergency number is 509-335-5848.
   • Reporting Procedures
     • Best practice: Always notify WSU Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) of any injury. EH&S typically investigates injuries and accidents that occur at WSU. They are highly skilled at helping those involved, supervisors, and those assisting, throughout the reporting and investigation process. EH&S can be reached at 509-335-3041.
     • Follow WSU SPPM 2.24.
     • Follow WSU HRS Incident Reporting Process.
       • Submission of an online Incident Report is required from the responsible supervisor within 24 hours.  Reference the Incident Report Form Completion.
       • Federal employees and/or non-employee injuries may need to report differently using the non-employee reporting steps.
     • Supervisor needs to notify HRS in the event that the injury creates time loss from work.  HRS can be reached at 509-335-1760.
   • Supervisors are required to notify the unit’s top administrator, the unit’s safety committee chair, and the Chair of the Voiland College Safety Committee.
   • Need help reporting?  Contact your unit’s Safety Committee Chair.
3. Completion of an accident investigation report (PDF) is required if:
   • Employee/person receives medical treatment.
   • Employee is unable to work their next full shift as a result of the injury.
   • Events and conditions related to a near miss, or minor accident, indicate that a potentially serious injury or illness could result from a similar situation.
4.  Comply with the investigative process, should an investigation ensue per, SPPM 2.26.