Did you know your OSHA log must be posted by February 1, 2014? OSHA 300 logs and summary pages can be confusing and time consuming if you’re not sure what to do. Here are a few helpful tips as you prepare to finalize your OSHA 300 log:
- Some employers aren’t required to record or post an OSHA 300 log. If you’re one of these exempt industries, you’re not required to keep an OSHA Injury and Illness record.
- If your company had ten or fewer employees during the entire 2013 year, you don’t need to record work-related injuries and illnesses unless OSHA or the BLS notifies you that you must keep records.
- There are actually two parts to an OSHA 300 log. The summary portion, a non-specific summary of work injuries at your business that doesn’t include employees’ names or personal information, is the portion that’s posted. The summary portion for 2013 must be posted between February 1-April 30, 2014.
- The log portion records each incident with specific details, including the employee’s name, date of injury, days away from work, etc. Employers must keep a log for each establishment or site. If there’s more than one establishment, you must keep separate logs and summary pages for each physical location. The log portion is for the employer’s files only and is not posted. Both the log and summary portions must be kept in the employer’s files for a minimum of five years.
- You do not need to record first aid-only incidents. These include a visit to a doctor for observation only, using wound coverings like bandages and gauze pads, or a tetanus shot.
OSHA has created an overview of recording work-related injuries and illnesses. For OSHA 300 logs, summary forms, a full list of what’s considered first aid treatment, and additional help in completing your forms, visit: www.osha.gov/recordkeeping
This blog was written by Cari Lamb, a Loss Prevention Representative for West Bend.
