Documenting Workplace Safety Compliance
OSHA requires every employer, unless exempt, to comply with certain recordkeeping requirements. These include:
- Conforming to general safety standards. Compliance with OSHA workplace safety standards may involve generating records, certifying compliance, or documenting required practices for that standard. These recordkeeping requirements are in addition to the general recordkeeping applicable to all employers.
- Accident reporting. The exemption from injury and illness reporting requirements for businesses with 10 or fewer employees doesn't apply if an accident results in one or more fatalities or hospitalization of three or more employees. In that situation, you must report the accident by telephone (1-800-321-OSHA), or in person at the nearest OSHA office within eight hours.
- Illness or injury reporting. Every employer with at least 10 employees that isn't exempt must maintain certain records of job-related accidents and injuries. OSHA has developed Forms 300 and 300A, illness and injury logs, for this purpose.
In addition, OSHA Form 301, an individual accident report, must be completed within six days' notice of a situation that is recorded on Form 300. This form provides additional details about each injury or illness listed on OSHA Form 300. Some insurance or workers' compensation forms can substitute for this form in order to avoid duplication.
OSHA also has posting requirements that may apply to your workplace.
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