Workplace illnesses and injuries are probably the last things employers want to think about, but it’s necessary for them to be prepared in the event of a workplace incident. From what the form is to what incidents employers need to record, read on for what employers need to know about the OSHA 300 Log.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is an agency of the U.S. government under the Department of Labor. Congress created OSHA from the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, to ensure health and safety standards for employee working conditions.
OSHA’s mission is to aid in prevention of work-related injuries, illnesses and deaths. OSHA also sets and enforces standards by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.
Certain employers are required to prepare and maintain records of serious occupational injuries and illnesses using the OSHA 300 Log. Businesses with more than 10 employees must maintain OSHA injury and illness records unless OSHA classifies the business as exempt. If you have less than 10 employees during the year, you do not have to keep illness and injury records.
According to OSHA, information that should be logged on the OSHA 300 Log includes work-related deaths and every work-related injury or illness that “involves loss of consciousness, restricted work activity or job transfer, days away from work, or medical treatment beyond first aid.” Additionally, work-related illness and injuries that are diagnosed by a physician should also be included.
If an incident does occur, employers must decide if the case meets OSHA’s record-keeping guidelines within seven calendar days of when the employer receives information about an incident. From there, the employer must establish the following, according to OSHA:
For more information about specific instructions and to view the OSHA 300 log, visit OSHA’s website here.
By law, employers must provide their workers with a workplace that doesn’t have hazards and must follow all OSHA safety and health standards. Employers must find and correct any known safety and health issues in the workplace. OSHA further requires employers to eliminate hazards by making possible changes in working conditions rather than relying on personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, earplugs, etc.
When necessary, employers must:
According to OSHA, “An injury or illness is considered work- related if an event or exposure in the work environment caused or contributed to the condition or significantly aggravated a preexisting condition.”
The following are examples of incidents that do not qualify as work-related cases, and therefore they do not need to be reported in the OSHA 300 Log, according to OSHA’s website: