What OSHA records must your company keep?

Almost all employers are governed by OSHA's general recordkeeping rules, which are vigorously enforced. Except for industries where the risk of physical injury is slight (banking, for example), all employers of 11 or more employees must keep records of workplace injuries.

The employer must maintain a log of all work-related illnesses, fatalities and any workplace injury that results in the loss of a work day, work restrictions, transfer to other work, loss of consciousness or requires medical treatment. The entry must be made within seven days of the injury on OSHA Form 300. A summary of occupational injuries and illnesses must be posted annually no later than February 1 and kept posted until April 30, even if there were no injuries or illnesses and the total entries are zero. The record must be retained and updated for at least five years and must be made available to employees. OSHA requires that employers keep the following records of work-related injuries and illnesses:

• Form 300 Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses
• Form 301 Injury and Illness Incident Report
• Form 300A, Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses.
• Employers may use the OSHA-provided recordkeeping form or an equivalent.

In addition, employers must report, within eight hours of their occurrence, all occupational accidents that result in one or more employee deaths or in the hospitalization of three or more employees.

Anyone who knowingly falsifies any record or report required by OSHA is subject to a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to six months or both. In addition, OSHA citations may be issued for failure to keep or properly keep required records.

Reprinted with permission. © CCH