FAQs

Question 
Does every employer have to send data to Federal OSHA?

Answer
No, each year, Federal OSHA sends injury and illness survey forms to employers in certain industries. In any year, some employers will receive an OSHA survey form and others will not. You do not have to send injury and illness data to OSHA unless you receive a survey form.

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Question 
How quickly do I need to respond to an OSHA survey form?

Answer 
You must send the survey reports to OSHA, or OSHA's designee, by mail or other means described in the survey form, within 30 calendar days, or by the date stated in the survey form, whichever is later.

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Question 
Do I have to respond to an OSHA survey form if I am normally exempt from keeping OSHA injury and illness records?

Answer 
Yes, OSHA may inform you in writing that it will be collecting injury and illness information from you in the following year. If you receive such a letter, you must keep the required injury and illness records and make a survey report for the year covered by the survey.

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Question 
Do I have to answer the OSHA survey form if I am located in a State-Plan State?

Answer
Yes, all employers who receive survey forms must respond to the survey, even those in State-Plan States.

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Question 
Does the Annual OSHA Injury and Illness Survey affect Cal/OSHA's authority to inspect my workplace?

Answer
No, Cal/OSHA's statutory authority to investigate conditions related to occupational safety and health is not affected.