OSHA Record Keeping and Reporting Requirements
For those organizations subject to OSHA’s record keeping requirements, please remember to post your OSHA 300A by February 1st . While there have been a number of record-keeping and reporting changes, the requirement to post your OSHA 300A from February 1 to April 30 remains intact. Prior to posting, also be sure to have the proper executive sign the form. Those who can sign include:
- An owner of the company
- An officer of the corporation
- The highest-ranking company official working at the site
- The immediate supervisor of the highest-ranking company official working at the site
Please keep reading for a synopsis of the posting requirements as well as the other Recordkeeping and Reporting changes effective 1/1/2015.
RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS
Employers with more than 10 employees and whose establishments are not classified as a partially exempt industry must prepare and maintain records of serious occupational injuries and illnesses, using OSHA Forms 300, 300A and 301. This information is important for employers, workers, and OSHA in evaluating the safety of a workplace, understanding industry hazards, and implementing worker protections to reduce and
eliminate hazards.
- Form 300 (Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses): Used to classify work-related injuries and illnesses and to note the extent and severity of each case. When an incident occurs, employers must use Form 300 to record specific details about what happened and how it happened.
- Form 300A (Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses): Shows the total number of work-related injuries and illnesses for the year in each category. At the end of the year, employers must post the Form 300A in a visible location so that employees are aware of the injuries and illnesses occurring in their workplace. Employers must keep a log for each establishment or site. When an employer has more than one establishment, a separate log and summary must be kept at each physical location that is expected to be in operation for one year or longer.
- Form 301 (Injury and Illness Incident Report): Must be filled out within seven calendar days after an employer receives information that a recordable work-related injury or illness occurred. This report includes information about the employee and the treating physician, and detailed information about the case. Employers must keep this report on file for five years following the year it pertains to.
POSTING REQUIREMENTS
Employers that are required to keep Form 300, the Injury and Illness log, must post Form 300A, the Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses, in the workplace every year from Feb. 1 to April 30. With this time frame quickly approaching, be sure to get all of your posting requirements prepared now for the first of next month.
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
All employers covered by the OSH Act must verbally report to OSHA:
- The death of any employee from a work-related incident; and
- The in-patient hospitalization of three or more employees as a result of a work-related incident
Effective Jan. 1, 2015, employers must report:
- Any work-related employee fatality within eight hours; and
- Any inpatient hospitalization, amputation or loss of an eye within 24 hours.
Employers must submit these reports to OSHA by telephone at 1-00-321-OSHA (6742), by calling or visiting the nearest area office during normal business hours or through a website that is currently under development.
GENERAL RECORDING CRITERIA
Employers subject to the recordkeeping requirements must record all work-related injuries or illnesses that meet the general recording criteria. Injuries and illnesses are recordable if they result in any of the following:
- Death
- Days away from work
- Restricted work or transfer to another job
- Medical treatment beyond first aid
- Loss of consciousness
If you have any questions regarding OSHA’s recordkeeping and reporting requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us at 877-352-2121.
