In the construction industry, employers with more than 10 employees are required to keep a record of serious work-related injuries and illnesses. Starting this month until April, a summary of the work-related injuries from 2017, are also required to be prominently displayed in the workplace.
Although minor injuries requiring first aid only do not need to be recorded, OSHA has specific definitions and forms for recording these injuries, including:
- Any work-related fatality.
- Any work-related injury or illness that results in loss of consciousness, days away from work, restricted work, or transfer to another job.
- Any work-related injury or illness requiring medical treatment beyond first aid.
- Any work-related diagnosed case of cancer, chronic irreversible diseases, fractured or cracked bones or teeth, and punctured eardrums.
The date by which certain employers are required to submit to OSHA the information from their completed 2017 Form 300A is July 1, 2018.
Importantly, records must also be maintained at the worksite for at least five years. Reporting can also be done online for forms 300, 300A and 301, which are also available online.
Severe Injury Reporting
Employers must report any worker fatality within 8 hours and any amputation, loss of an eye, or hospitalization of a worker within 24 hours.
This information helps employers, workers and OSHA evaluate the safety of a workplace, understand industry hazards, and implement worker protections to reduce and eliminate hazards –preventing future workplace injuries and illnesses.
A site safety inspector can help employers navigate this process. For more information and assistance, contact our offices at Diversified Safety Services.
