A worker on a residential roof in California falls 12 feet and is hospitalized. Within what timeframe must this incident be reported to Cal/OSHA?
Correct Answer
C) Within 8 hours
Cal/OSHA Section 342 requires employers to report any work-related incident requiring hospitalization within 8 hours of the employer becoming aware of the incident.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Cal/OSHA Section 342 requires employers to report any work-related incident that results in a serious injury, illness, or death — including hospitalization — within 8 hours of the employer learning of the incident. This applies regardless of whether it occurs during normal business hours.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Within 48 hours
48 hours is far too long. Hospitalization incidents require reporting within 8 hours, not 2 days. A 48-hour window applies to some other regulatory contexts but not Cal/OSHA serious injury reporting.
Option B: Immediately by telephone
Immediate telephone reporting is the federal OSHA requirement for fatalities (within 8 hours) and inpatient hospitalizations (within 24 hours under federal rules). Cal/OSHA is more stringent — any hospitalization must be reported within 8 hours, not 'immediately.' The nuance here is that Cal/OSHA gives an 8-hour window, not an instantaneous requirement.
Option D: Within 24 hours
24 hours is the federal OSHA standard for inpatient hospitalization reporting, but California's standard is stricter at 8 hours. California state law supersedes federal OSHA where it is more protective.
Memory Technique
8 hours = one work shift. If a worker is hospitalized, you must report before the next shift starts. Think: 'Report before the relief crew arrives.'
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Previous Question
Your crew is working on a residential roof replacement project when the temperature reaches 87°F. One worker complains of dizziness and nausea. What is your immediate responsibility under Cal/OSHA heat illness prevention requirements?
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A worker is installing roofing materials on a residential structure 15 feet above grade. The roof has a 6:12 pitch. Under Cal/OSHA fall protection requirements, what protection is required?