As part of our collective commitment to ensuring workplace safety and compliance, we want to remind you of OSHA's recordkeeping requirements. Maintaining accurate records of work-related injuries and illnesses is a legal obligation and a crucial component of fostering a safe and healthy work environment.
Understanding OSHA Recordkeeping
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that certain employers maintain records of work-related injuries and illnesses. These records help identify and mitigate workplace hazards, improve worker safety, and ensure compliance with federal regulations.
Who Needs to Keep Records?
Not all employers are required to keep OSHA records. Generally, establishments with more than 10 employees must maintain OSHA records unless they belong to a partially exempt industry. Partially exempt industries include those with historically low rates of occupational injuries and illnesses, such as retail, finance, and insurance.
Key OSHA Recordkeeping Forms
OSHA Form 300 (Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses):
This form is used to record each incident of work-related injury or illness.
Details such as the nature of the injury, the part of the body affected, and the object that caused the injury must be logged.
OSHA Form 300A (Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses):
This form summarizes the total number of incidents recorded on Form 300.
Employers must post this summary in a visible location within the workplace from February 1 to April 30 each year.
OSHA Form 301 (Injury and Illness Incident Report):
This form provides detailed information about each recorded incident.
It must be completed within seven calendar days of receiving information that a recordable work-related injury or illness has occurred.
What Constitutes a Recordable Incident?
A recordable incident is any work-related injury or illness that results in:
Death
Days away from work
Restricted work or transfer to another job
Medical treatment beyond first aid
Loss of consciousness
A significant injury or illness diagnosed by a healthcare professional
Electronic Submission Requirements
Certain employers must also electronically submit their Form 300A data to OSHA. This requirement applies to establishments:
250 or more employees and is not in an industry listed in the Exempt Industries list in Appendix A to Subpart B of OSHA's recordkeeping regulation of 29 CFR Part 1904 or
20-249 employees and is in an industry listed in Appendix A to Subpart E of 29 CFR Part 1904.
Has 100 or more employees and is in an industry listed in Appendix B to Subpart E of 29 CFR Part 1904.
Steps to Ensure Compliance
Train Your Staff: Ensure that your employees understand the importance of OSHA recordkeeping and know how to report injuries and illnesses.
Maintain Accurate Records: Keep detailed and accurate records of all work-related injuries and illnesses. Regularly review your records to ensure they are up to date and complete.
Post Required Summaries: Display the OSHA Form 300A summary in a conspicuous place within the workplace from February 1 to April 30.
Submit Records Electronically: If required, submit your Form 300A data electronically by March 2 of the following year.
Stay Informed: Keep up to date with any changes in OSHA regulations and guidelines to ensure ongoing compliance.
Conclusion
Adhering to OSHA recordkeeping requirements is essential for maintaining a safe workplace and avoiding potential penalties. By keeping accurate records, you can identify and address workplace hazards more effectively, ultimately protecting your employees and your business.
Paradigm Safety can assist with your recordkeeping and training needs. Reach out to Heather at heather@paradigm-safety.com.