Reportable incidents are so named, because they must be reported directly to OSHA within 8 – 24 hours depending on the occurrence. Reportable incidents are always severe in nature and include amputations, loss of an eye, in-patient hospitalization (admittance), and fatalities.

In 2026, a "reportable incident" typically refers to an event that must be officially disclosed to a regulatory body, such as the FAA in aviation or the HSE (under RIDDOR) in the workplace. In aviation, reportable incidents include aircraft accidents involving serious injury or death, substantial structural damage, or specific mechanical failures like flight control malfunctions and in-flight fires. In a broader workplace context, RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) mandates the reporting of deaths, "specified injuries" (such as fractures or amputations), and "dangerous occurrences"—incidents that had the potential to cause serious harm even if no one was hurt (e.g., a structural collapse or gas leak). Additionally, in 2026, "Cybersecurity Incidents" involving the breach of sensitive data or the failure of critical infrastructure have become mandatory reportable events for many businesses. The key criterion is often whether the event significantly impacted safety, health, or the environment, with strict legal timelines—often 24 hours to 10 days—for filing the necessary documentation with the relevant authority.