When someone gets hurt at work and can’t come back right away, it’s called a lost time injury (LTI). These types of incidents don’t just affect the worker — they affect the company too. Productivity drops, safety records suffer, and costs can rise due to insurance and investigations. That’s why reporting these injuries the right way is so important.
Many workplaces think they have their injury reporting under control — until a small mistake creates a big problem. This article is your guide to understanding what not to do when handling these types of situations. We'll cover common reporting errors, share real-world stories, and walk you through how to get it right.
But first, let’s talk about something that can prepare you ahead of time: the IOSH Course. This internationally recognized training helps employees and managers learn how to handle safety responsibilities confidently. It covers identifying hazards, managing risks, and — importantly — reporting incidents properly.
Why Lost Time Injury Reporting Matters
Let’s say a warehouse worker slips and twists their ankle. They’re sent home for a few days to rest. No big deal, right? Actually, it is. Failing to report it properly can lead to legal trouble, safety audits, or worse — repeated injuries. When information is missing or delayed, companies can't learn from incidents and fix what went wrong.
Mistakes in LTI reporting often stem from a lack of training, unclear procedures, or simple human error. But the consequences? They're far from simple.
Top Mistakes You Should Avoid
1. Delaying the Report
One of the most common — and most damaging — mistakes is waiting too long to report an injury. Sometimes, a manager assumes the injury isn’t serious or hopes the employee will be back the next day. But if the employee ends up taking more time off, it could be considered a lost time injury — and by then, you’ve missed the reporting window.
Anecdote: A construction site supervisor once dismissed a back injury as "minor." The worker didn’t return for two weeks. Because the incident wasn’t documented immediately, the company faced penalties for non-compliance.
2. Failing to Investigate Immediately
Every injury should lead to a thorough investigation, no matter how small it seems. Waiting too long means important details — like witness accounts or photos — could be lost. Investigations should start as soon as the scene is safe.
3. Incomplete or Inaccurate Reports
Another major issue is submitting reports that lack detail. A vague explanation like “employee injured foot” tells you very little. What were they doing? What equipment was involved? What conditions contributed to the incident?
Tip: Use clear, specific language. Include time, location, equipment used, task being performed, and weather or lighting conditions if relevant.
4. Not Following Legal Requirements
Depending on where your workplace is located, there may be legal guidelines for how and when to report LTIs. Failing to follow those laws can result in heavy fines or liability issues. Always stay updated with regional laws and regulatory requirements.
The Role of Supervisors and Safety Officers
Supervisors play a key role in ensuring that injury reporting happens quickly and accurately. Their responsibilities include:
- Ensuring that first aid is given
- Notifying the safety officer
- Securing the scene for investigation
- Collecting statements and evidence
- Submitting the incident to the proper authorities or systems
It’s not just about filing papers — it’s about creating a safer workplace for everyone.
Steps for Properly Reporting Lost Time Injuries
Step 1: Attend to the Injured Worker
Your first job is to care for the injured person. Call medical help if needed, and ensure they’re comfortable and safe.
Step 2: Secure the Scene
Before anything is moved or cleaned, assess the area. Take photographs and ensure no one else is at risk.
Step 3: Notify the Right People
Inform your supervisor, the safety team, or HR right away. Everyone involved needs to be on the same page.
Step 4: Start the Investigation Immediately
Don’t wait until the next day. Gather witness statements, look at security footage, and document every detail. Use standardized investigation forms if your workplace has them.
Step 5: Submit the Report Promptly
File the report within the timeframe required by your company or local regulations. Make sure it’s complete, accurate, and signed off by the appropriate people.
Step 6: Follow Up
Check in with the injured worker regularly. Record updates on their condition, return-to-work plans, and accommodations if necessary.
What Happens If You Get It Wrong?
Ignoring or misreporting LTIs can have long-lasting effects:
- Legal penalties from health and safety regulators
- Increased insurance premiums
- Damaged company reputation
- Repeat injuries due to unresolved hazards
It can also lower employee morale. If workers feel like their safety isn’t taken seriously, trust in management drops quickly.
Real Story: When a Small Injury Becomes a Big Deal
At a packaging facility, a new worker cut their finger on a box cutter. It seemed minor, and the supervisor didn’t report it. But the cut got infected, and the worker ended up in the hospital. A week later, the company was asked why no LTI report had been filed.
They scrambled to reconstruct the event — but by then, footage was erased, and the witnesses couldn’t remember the details. That one oversight led to fines and a full safety audit.
How the Right Training Prevents These Mistakes
That’s where professional safety training comes in. The IOSH Course is especially useful for supervisors and safety officers. It teaches how to recognize hazards, respond quickly, and follow structured reporting protocols.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your workplace is prepared for a serious injury, this training gives you the confidence to act correctly — even under pressure.
Culture Matters Too
One more point: your reporting system is only as good as your workplace culture. If employees fear blame or retaliation, they may stay silent about injuries. Encourage open communication. Make it clear that reporting isn’t about punishment — it’s about prevention.
Read more about how the IOSH Training Course can strengthen your team’s safety skills.
Final Thoughts: Don't Let Mistakes Cost You
Handling lost time injuries the wrong way can be costly — in money, morale, and trust. But the good news? It’s all preventable. With quick action, proper documentation, and a culture of care, you can turn a dangerous moment into a learning opportunity.
And if you want to take that preparation a step further, consider enrolling in the IOSH Training Course. It’s one of the best tools available to build your confidence and competence in workplace safety.
