New Mexico: COVID-19 Cases Must be Reported to NM OSHA Within Four Hours

OSHA requires employers to provide notice of certain injuries and illnesses within eight to 24 hours, depending on the type and severity, and to record all work-related injuries and illnesses. Currently, COVID-19 cases must be reported if they are work-related.  However, some states have individual state-level OSHA plans with more stringent requirements. New Mexico falls into this category, and an emergency amendment to its injury and illness reporting regulations imparts a new temporary reporting requirement for COVID-19 cases.

Specifically, employers are required to report any cases in which an employee tests positive for COVID-19 within four hours of learning about the diagnosis, even if the illness is not work-related.  This emergency amendment remains in effect for 120 days, unless it is later made permanent.

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