As we reported in October, OSHA’s Recordkeeping Requirements are now in effect. Here’s the information you need to know!
Many new categories of employers must now maintain and post OSHA injury and illness records going forward. Employers who were already covered must complete and post their 2014 annual summary by February 1, 2015 and keep it posted until April 30, 2015. Employers must utilize the annual summary form (form 300A) to comply with the posting requirements. The form is available for download from OSHA. Even if you have no recordable injury or illness, you must still complete your 300 logs and post the 300A summary. In addition the rule has updated the list of industries that are exempt from the requirement to keep OSHA injury records, and retains the exemption for any employer with ten or fewer employees, regardless of industry classification. Employers who are required to keep Form 300, the Injury and Illness log, must post Form 300A, the Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses, in a workplace every year from February 1 to April 30. Current and former employees, or their representatives, have the right to access injury and illness records. Employers must give the requester a copy of the relevant record(s) by the end of the next business day. A helpful publication is OSHA’s” Do I need to fill out the OSHA Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses?” brochure (OSHA Publication 3169), available on their website.
Important facts to know about these recordkeeping requirements include:
- Covered employers must record all work-related injuries and illnesses that result in days away from work, restricted work or transfer to another job, loss of consciousness or medical treatment beyond first aid.
- In addition, employers must record significant work-related injuries or illnesses diagnoses by a physician or other licensed health care professional, even if it does not result in death, days away from work, restricted work or job transfer, medical treatment beyond first aid, or loss of consciousness.
- Injuries include cases such as, but not limited to, a cut, fracture, sprain, or amputation.
- Illnesses include both acute and chronic illnesses, such as, but not limited to, a skin disease, respiratory disorder, asthma, or poisoning.
- OSHA’s definition of work-related injuries, illnesses and fatalities are those in which an event or exposure in the work environment either caused or contributed to the condition. In addition, if an event or exposure in the work environment significantly aggravated a pre-existing injury or illness, this is also considered work-related.
As always, contact our offices, Diversified Safety Services, for more information.
