Whenever loss of life or serious accident shall occur at a place of employment covered by this act, the commissioner may require the person in charge to report such loss of life or serious accident to the department in the quickest manner possible, and, in addition, to report in writing the pertinent facts concerning the accident and the injured or deceased persons within 24 hours after such occurrence in a manner prescribed by the commissioner.
N.J.S. § 34:5-175