TO RECORD OR NOT TO RECORD? WHAT ARE THE OSHA REQUIREMENTS?

I am often asked to clarify what should be included on the OSHA 300 logs. I am frequently asked to explain or clarify the OSHA standards so I thought it would be helpful to provide a brief summary of the requirements.

Workplace related injuries should be recorded on OSHA 300 logs. When is an injury or illness considered to be work related?

OSHA states that, "An injury or illness is considered to be work-related if an event or exposure in the work environment caused or contributed to the condition or significantly aggravated a pre-exisiting condition. The work environment includes the establishment and other locations where one or more employees or are present as a condition of their employment." Keep in mind that this does not include travel to and from the workplace as the employer does not have any control over road conditions.

Which work related injuries and illnesses should you record?

OSHA states that work related injuries or illnesses that result in the following should be recorded:
• Death
• Loss of consciousness
• Days away from work
• Restricted work activity (light duty) or job transfer
• Medical treatment beyond first aid
• Any injury or illness diagnosed by a physician or licensed health care professional. This includes any work related cases involving cancer, chronic irreversible disease, a fracture or cracked bone or a punctured ear drum. See 29 CFR 1904.7
• Any needle stick or cut from a sharp object that is contaminated with another person's blood or infectious material
• TB infection
• Hearing test that reveals the employee has experienced a Standard Threshold Shift in one or both ears

The OSHA record keeping regulation is 29 CFR 1904. Here is a link to the OSHA Record keeping site. The site provides a wide variety of helpful information such as the actual regulation document, necessary forms, Q & A sheets, etc. http://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/index.html

Use this link to open the pdf version of the OSHA 300 logs and an easy explanation of how to complete the forms. www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/new-osha300form1-1-04.pdf

Your Consolidated agent can also set you up on our loss control and safety website tailored specifically for your organization. Included in this password protected website is a digital OSHA 300 log which will allow you to print off OSHA approved reports by injury type, location, and class of employee. Just give us a call and our trainer will get you up and going in minutes.

Make it your New Year’s resolution to get your OSHA reporting records in great shape!