In the workplace, every incident or accident that affects the health of workers must be treated with the utmost seriousness. Beyond medical intervention and immediate measures, employers have a clear legal obligation: to report events to the Territorial Labor Inspectorate (ITM). According to Law no. 319/2006 on occupational safety and health, as well as the implementing regulations, employers must inform ITM of any significant event within no more than 24 hours.
This obligation specifically concerns work accidents that result in more than three days of temporary incapacity to work, collective accidents, those resulting in disability or death, as well as dangerous incidents that could have had serious consequences. The communication must be in writing, through the completion of a standard form – the model from Annex 13 of the implementing regulations – in which the circumstances of the event, the persons involved, and the first measures taken are described.
It is important to mention that this obligation applies to every employer, regardless of the size of the company or the field of activity. Neglecting this reporting can lead to administrative penalties and may influence the subsequent investigations.
To avoid such situations, it is essential for employers to implement clear internal procedures regarding event reporting. These must include precise responsibilities, action deadlines, and means of transmitting information to the authorities. Additionally, employees must be constantly informed and trained on how to react in the case of a work accident or dangerous incident.
Prompt and correct communication of events not only complies with the law but also reflects a healthy organizational culture, where people’s safety comes first. In an efficient prevention and protection system, every incident is a wake-up call that can prevent future tragedies if it is analyzed and addressed responsibly.
