No, the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) report isn't required everywhere by law—whether it's mandatory depends entirely on your state and the specific survey.
Is the Bureau of Labor Statistics mandatory?
Almost all BLS surveys are voluntary, meaning individuals, households, and organizations can decide for themselves whether to participate.
Only a handful of surveys are legally required—like those tied to state laws or federal funding. For instance, employers must respond to the Occupational Injuries and Illnesses survey under OSHA rules. When you get a BLS survey request, scan the paperwork for any legal citations that might apply to you. The BLS itself confirms most surveys are voluntary.
Is the survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses mandatory?
Private sector employers must participate by federal law, thanks to OSHA’s recordkeeping requirements.
State and local government employers should double-check their local laws, because participation might be mandatory there. California, for example, requires it under state rules. Skip it, and you could face fines under OSHA’s recordkeeping guidelines. OSHA spells out employer duties on its site.
Is the BLS Annual refiling survey mandatory?
Yes, California employers selected for the Annual Refiling Survey (ARS) must respond by law—both state and federal rules back this up.
The survey falls under Section 320.5 of the California Unemployment Insurance Code and Section 320-1 of Title 22 in the California Code of Regulations. If you’re chosen, you’ve got to reply to keep state and federal labor stats accurate. Miss the deadline, and California can penalize you. The BLS backs up the legal basis on its site.
Is the Texas Occupational Employment Statistics report mandatory?
No, Texas doesn’t make the OEWS report mandatory under federal law—participation is strictly voluntary unless a state program says otherwise.
Texas won’t penalize you for ignoring the OEWS survey. Still, the Texas Workforce Commission might ask for your input under certain programs. Always confirm with the agency sending the survey whether it’s voluntary or required in your case.
Is the Occupational Employment and wage statistics report mandatory in Florida?
No, Florida doesn’t force employers to respond to the OEWS report—it’s completely voluntary under state law.
Florida won’t fine you for skipping it. That said, some state agencies might nudge you to participate so they can keep labor market data sharp. Always read the survey notice closely for any hidden legal requirements. The BLS spells out the voluntary nature on its OEWS page.
What is Occupational Employment and wage statistics?
OEWS is a twice-yearly BLS survey that breaks down employment and wages for over 800 occupations, sliced by industry and state.
Data collection happens every May and November. Policymakers, schools, and businesses rely on these numbers to spot labor trends. The stats also set prevailing wages for federal contracts and shape workforce training programs. The BLS offers a full rundown of the OEWS program.
Is Bureau of Labor Statistics legit?
Absolutely—the BLS is the go-to federal agency for labor economics and stats, run by the U.S. Department of Labor.
It churns out trusted data on jobs, wages, inflation, and workplace safety. Researchers, lawmakers, and companies lean on these numbers to make smart calls. The BLS is part of the Federal Statistical System and follows strict quality and transparency rules. The agency lays out its mission and methods on its site.
Who is counted as being employed?
You’re considered employed if you did any paid work—even part-time or temporary—during the survey reference week.
That includes people on sick leave, vacation, or strike, as long as they’re still attached to a job. Self-employed workers and family business helpers count too. The Current Population Survey uses this same standard. The BLS spells out employment definitions here.
Is the BLS survey mandatory in Florida?
No, most BLS surveys aren’t mandatory in Florida unless a state program says otherwise.
For example, the Industry Verification Form (BLS 3023-NVS) isn’t required under general Florida law. But some state-run surveys might have different rules. Always check the survey notice for legal citations or special requirements. The BLS respondent portal has details on survey obligations.
How quickly do you have to respond to an OSHA survey form?
You’ve got 30 calendar days from the date you receive it—or the deadline on the form, whichever is later.
This applies to surveys like the Occupational Injuries and Illnesses report. Miss the window, and OSHA may follow up or hit you with penalties under recordkeeping rules. Keep a copy of what you submit. OSHA lists response timelines on its site.
Is the CES report mandatory?
No, the CES is voluntary under federal law—but a few places treat it as mandatory: New Mexico, Oregon, South Carolina, and Puerto Rico.
Employers in those spots must reply to help state workforce programs. The CES tracks monthly employment and payroll by industry. Check the form for state-specific legal notes. The BLS explains CES rules and state requirements.
What organization conducts the annual survey of occupational injuries and illnesses?
The Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII) is a joint federal–state effort run by the BLS in collaboration with state agencies.
The SOII gathers data on nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses from employers nationwide. Agencies use the results to spot dangerous industries and shape safety rules. It’s a cornerstone of OSHA’s data-driven enforcement. The BLS outlines the SOII program here.
Is annual refiling survey legit?
Yes, the Annual Refiling Survey (ARS) is a legit, legally authorized survey run by the BLS and state workforce agencies.
It’s backed by 29 U.S. Code, Section 2, and meets federal data standards. If you’re selected, you must confirm or update your industry classification to keep OEWS estimates accurate. The survey runs every year and keeps labor market data reliable. The BLS respondent site confirms the ARS’ legitimacy and purpose.
Is BLS 3023 required by law?
BLS Form 3023 (Industry Verification Form) is legally required in California and Utah under state law—and it’s also authorized federally.
You must fill it out to verify your industry classification for OEWS and other BLS surveys. Skip it in states where it’s required, and you risk penalties or follow-up enforcement. Always verify whether your state mandates participation. The BLS hosts Form 3023 and related guidance.
Is the Current Population survey mandatory?
No, answering the CPS is completely voluntary for households picked to participate.
While the CPS is a gold standard for labor force data, no law forces you to respond. Still, your answers help keep national employment and unemployment stats accurate. The Census Bureau, which runs the survey, urges cooperation to maintain reliable numbers. The Census Bureau explains the CPS is voluntary.
Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
