Perhaps the most daunting task facing many occupational health and safety managers is the requirement of OSHA reporting of injuries and incidents. Failure to comply can result in substantial penalties and additional corrective actions. There are several companies that offer software based solutions to help simplify the process. For this article, we will cover the basics of OSHA recordable incidents, such as box cutter injuries. However, we encourage you to contact OSHA for answers to specific questions.
The OSHA 300 Log is a listing of all injuries and illnesses at your jobsite. In most cases, unless otherwise exempted, the 300 Log is due upon OSHA inspection or within 4 hours of their request. Not every employer is required to keep a 300 Log. For instance, if you employ fewer than 10 employees or according to your SIC code, you are considered a low-hazard industry, you may be exempt from these requirements. For a complete list of exempt industries and SIC codes, visit: www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/ppt1/rk1exempttable.html
A recordable injury is a new injury that is work related or a pre-existing condition that has been aggravated by workplace actions. In most cases, recordable injuries may range from medical treatment beyond basic first aid such as a trip to the doctor's office for a box cutter injury that requires stitches to the more extreme injury that causes an employee to miss days away from work and even causes fatalities.
Items that do not require recording are injuries treated through common first aid or injuries involving exercise and other items such as the common colds and flu's. A complete list of what is considered "First Aid" by OSHA can be found at on OSHA's website.
osha.gov/recordkeeping/entryfaq.html
OSHA requires that records be kept for a minimum period of 5 years and all employee personal information should be kept confidential and separate concerning cases of mental illness or injuries involving sensitive body parts.
The best reporting systems are those that involve employees to help record injuries. A workforce that is aware of the importance of OSHA compliance can be one of your best accident prevention measures as they will be more likely to help remind others of the importance of safety in the workplace. Any injury that may occur with temporary and contract workers that you supervise also fall into the requirement of OSHA injury recording.
Perhaps one of the most common workplace injuries happens with the common box cutter. A required tool everywhere from the shipping and receiving departments to manufacturing plants, an exposed blade is a huge source of OSHA recordable injuries. Recognizing the difference between a box cutter laceration that can be treated with first aid versus an injury that requires stitches and whether they are required to be recorded or not, might mean the difference between compliance and penalties. We believe that the safest workplace is that in which the employees and health and safety managers are the most informed.
For more information on OSHA recordable injuries, including box cutter injuries, visit www.OSHA.gov/recordkeeping
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