Tracking Workplace Injury: OSHA 300Forms
By: Kathleen Murray, Capstone Brokerage Client Advocate, February 17, 2016
OSHA requires workplace injuries to be tracked using special forms. One of the forms is called the OSHA 300A Summary. This form represents the total number of injuries and illnesses reported for the year. It is an ongoing documented list of all recordable injuries injuries and fatalities from the OSHA 300 Log. The following link is an attachment for the OSHA 300 log. The log contains instructions for annual maintenance and must be accurately updated and maintained annually even if there are not any work injuries. The forms in the log can be downloaded from the OSHA website, printed and reused again.
Employers with 11 or more employees, permanent or temporary, must have this form publicly available in the work area from February 1st through April 30, 2016.
Some industries are exempt from posting the summary unless they are required by OSHA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics or a state agency operating under their authority. These are taken from a comprehensive list:
– Automobile dealers
– Bakeries
– Beer, wine and liquor stores
– Performing arts companies
– Special food services
– Building material and supplies dealers
However, as of January 1, 2016, OSHA has reduced the number of exempt industries. Check OSHA records yearly to ensure your organization is still in compliance.
Even if your organization is exempt, the forms must be completed in the event of a fatality in-person hospitalization, and accidental dismemberment.
The 300 forms are requested during any OSHA visit and non-compliance can be met with fines and citations.
Many injuries can be avoided if not prevented altogether. It is best to practice efficient and detailed record keeping, maintain access to important safety-related documents and investigate the causes of repeated injuries.
