Tuesday, April 17, 2012

OSHA Record keeping Requirements are Worth Keeping Up With

When a workplace injury occurs, there is a mountain of paperwork to go with it. Somewhere in that mountain are OSHA’s recordkeeping requirements. Although injury recordkeeping can seem like just another thing on your to-do list, the information it provides is not only required but it is vital in preventing future injuries. Recordkeeping data identifies past problems and trends to consider when updating your workplace safety program.
Keep in mind that an OSHA log is an important part, but does not include all types of injuries and incidents that could have resulted in employee injury or those that only resulted in property damage. You need to keep track of all incidents to make your workplace safe.
Change is on the way, current requirements still apply
OSHA has issued a proposed standard for public input which means the existing requirements will likely change in the near future. For now, employers with more than 10 employees are required to report according to the current standards. Some lower hazard business sectors are typically exempt from recordkeeping. Visit OSHA’s website to find out if you are exempt. It’s important to note that if OSHA or the Bureau of Labor Statistics has requested your company to maintain a recordkeeping log, you are still required to do so even if you are on the exempt list.
All employers, including those that are exempt from OSHA recordkeeping requirements, must report to OSHA at 1.800.321.OSHA (6742) any incident that results in a fatality or the in-patient hospitalization of three or more workers within eight hours of occurrence.
OSHA logs that must be maintained
Employers that are not exempt from OSHA recordkeeping requirements must maintain three different logs. These forms must be kept up-to-date for five years after the year they cover. Unless requested, you do not have to mail these to OSHA. Download each of the forms in PDF or Excel format.
OSHA Form 300 (Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses)
  • Lists injuries and illnesses, and tracks days away from work, days of restricted work or transferred
  • Maintained and updated throughout the year as incidents occur and must be filled within seven days of the injury
  • Refer to OSHA’s Recordkeeping Tutorial and the full standard for details.
OSHA Form 301 (Injury and Illness Incident Report)
  • Records supplementary information about each recordable case 
  • A new form for each injury is added throughout the year as incidents occur.
OSHA Form 300A (Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses)
  • Displays the totals for the year in each category. This must be posted in the workplace from Feb. 1 through April 30 each year for the prior year’s injuries and illnesses. 
  • Even if no recordable injuries occurred during the year, you are still obligated to post this form.
Visit OSHA’s recordkeeping page for everything you need to know, including which types of businesses need to maintain the records and what qualifies as an OSHA recordable injury. 

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