As we enter the new year, it is an important time for employers to be reminded of OSHA’s recordkeeping and reporting requirements. OSHA requires certain employers to retain records of serious injuries and illnesses that occur in the workplace. Unless the employer has 10 or fewer employees at all times during the previous calendar year or they are establishments in certain low-hazard industries, the employer is required to maintain and post these records. To see if your industry is considered exempt, an updated list can be found at http://www.osha.gov.
OSHA recordkeeping requirements include three forms. OSHA 300, OSHA 300A, and OSHA 301.
-The OSHA Form 300 is used to document the details of workplace injuries and illnesses. On this document, employers will identify, describe, and classify the injury.
-The OSHA Form 301 should be filled out at the same time as the OSHA Form 300 and allows the employer to describe the injury or illness in greater detail to provide context of the event.
-The OSHA Form 300A is a summary report of the log and should be completed by employers at the end of the year. Employers will use this form to tally the impacts of injuries and illnesses at their workplace. This form does not include any employee information.
OSHA Form 300A logs from the previous year should be posted in the workplace from February 1 through April 30 each year. That means that beginning February 1, 2023, employers are required to post their 2022 300A summary. Also, if requested, copies of the records must be provided to current and former employees, or their representatives. Failing to maintain your OSHA 300 logs in an accurate and timely manner can lead to costly fines and impact your company’s compliance.
Helpful tips for filling out OSHA 300 logs:
-Employers should keep their OSHA 300 logs updated at all times and avoid the mistake of filling them out on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis.
-Employers should be familiar with their industry’s North American Industrial Classification (NAICS) number. The NAICS codes classify businesses by type and can be used to find statistical data and information related to a particular industry. If you are unaware of your industry’s NAICS code, a comprehensive list can be found at census.gov.
What and when to report:
-Minor injuries and illnesses such as a small cut or scrape that can be treated with a bandage or disinfectant do not need to be reported unless the employee receives medical treatment that goes beyond first aid or if they must go on any sort of restricted or modified duty.
-If an employee receives medical treatment beyond first aid, it should be reported on your OSHA 300 log. OSHA defines first aid as “medical attention that is usually administered immediately after the injury occurs and at the location where it occurred. It often consists of a one-time, short-term treatment and requires little technology or training to administer.” Typically, these are minor wounds like cuts and scrapes that can be treated with a bandage or disinfectant.
-Employers must report all worker fatalities to OSHA within 8 hours after a work-related death and should be recorded on the OSHA 300 log.
-Employers must report all amputations, loss of an eye, or inpatient hospitalizations for treatment to OSHA within 24 hours and recorded on the OSHA 300 log.
For assistance with filling out your OSHA 300 logs or for additional guidance, reach out to safety@ironwoodbc.com at any time!
Note: This article is courtesy of our very own member company, Ironwood Business Consulting. Thank you!
