Bill requiring prompt reporting of injuries, death sent to governor

The New Hampshire Senate passed a bill to mandate prompt investigation and reporting of serious injuries and death in the workplace.

H.B. 406, sponsored by Rep. Rebecca McBeath, D-Rockingham, passed the Senate unanimously on Thursday, and mandates that all employers in the state report a workplace death within eight hours of the incident to the commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Labor. The House passed the bill March 14.

The legislation also requires any serious injury that results in an amputation, fracture, head injury or internal injury that requires immediate hospitalization be reported within 24 hours to the state’s labor department, and authorizes the commissioner to investigate the cause of injury and notify the employer of any precautions that must be taken to prevent future injuries.

However, the bill notes that any statements contained in investigation reports will not be considered admissible evidence in court.

The legislation would take effect 60 days following the signing by Gov. Chris Sununu.