Recording Construction Injuries

Safety Matters: A monthly Tip from OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSH A) initiated its national emphasis program (NEP) on recordkeeping in 2009 and has increased the enforcement efforts on employers who fail to record and disclose on-the-job injuries. Last year, OSH A proposed a $1.2 million penalty against a Houston manufacturer for 83 willful recordkeeping violations of work-related injuries and illnesses. This and other high-profile OSHA cases should signal all employers to carefully and accurately record work-related injuries and illnesses. Here are some guide lines for effecti ve record keeping practices:

1. Record all work-related injuries and illnesses resulting in death, loss of consciousness, days away from work, restricted work activity or job transfer, or medical treatment beyond first aid. Types of first aid not required to be recorded include nonprescription medication; tetanus immunizations; cleaning, soaking or flushing the skin; use of bandages; temporary immobilization devices; hot or cold therapy; and removing splinters. For a comprehensive list, visit www.osha4you.com/recordkeeping, and download “OSHA Forms for Recording Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses.”

2. Fill out an Injury and Illness Incident Report (OSHA Form 301), or equivalent, within seven days after a recordable work-related injury or illness has occurred, and keep Form 301 on file for five years.

3. Record basic information from OSHA Form 301 onto the Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (OSHA Form 300). Include the employee’s name, job title, date of injury or onset of illness, where the event occurred and a description of the injury.

4. Transfer information for each injury or illness, not including the employee’s name, onto the Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (OSHA Form 300A).

5. In a common area such as a break room, post OSHA Form 300A from February 1 through April 30 for all job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred in the prior year.

Good recordkeeping practices can not only help you avoid costly OSH A citations but also aid in identifying injury
trends, uncover sources of safety issues and provide opportunities to reduce injuries and boost company profits.

For more information about OSHA courses and training, visit www.osha4you.com or call 866-936-6742.

Construction Business Owner, February 2011