Many states require reporting of certain types of occupational illnesses and
injuries to the health department just like communicable diseases. As with
other public health reports, the medical care provider has a personal duty to
make the report regardless of who else may be reporting. Generally, OSHA
reporting by a physician or hospital is optional. However, OSHA may be the
best source of information for patient care and they may be the most
appropriate agency to do an investigation.