Top OSHA 300 Recordkeeping Mistakes Part 1
Under the OSHA Recordkeeping Standard, certain employers (those with more than 10 employees) are required to prepare and maintain records of workplace illnesses and injuries. As experienced OSHA defense attorneys, we know that construction companies strive to prevent hazardous events, which is all the more reason why accurate record keeping is essential for when they do happen. The OSHA 300 form is one of the first forms employers will need to fill out; however, plenty of them miss the mark. This three-part article will focus on avoiding 300 recordkeeping mistakes.
What Employers Should Know
There are specific recordkeeping rules that employers should know to ensure they are complying with OSHA recordkeeping standards. The first requirement is that employers should keep illness and injury records for a minimum of five years. Every year, a summary of the illnesses and injuries recorded for the previous year must be posted at the worksite. The good news is that certain employers can now submit their records for Form 300A electronically by July 1, 2018. Please review the OSHA website to stay abreast of electronic submission and to determine if you are an employer that is required to submit electronically.
Things to Remember Form 300A
It’s critical that employers execute Form 300A compliance correctly. Remember the following:
- Covered businesses must post the 300A (not the 300) even if they had no injuries the previous year
- Do not forget to sign the 300A prior to posting it in your workplace
- Post it in an area where employees can easily see it
- Although you do not have to post the official 300A you should still maintain a certified version
- Before certifying the 300A an internal representative should examine it along with the OSHA 300 log, and certify that they are accurate and complete.
If you need assistance with maintaining workplace safety and meeting OSHA requirements, set up a consultation with an OSHA attorney from Cotney Construction Law. Let’s move on to some of the common mistakes employers make with recordkeeping.
Mistake 1: Failing to Maintain OSHA Forms
Employers that complete OSHA Forms 300 and 301 must also complete Form 300A. Both Forms 300 and 301 must be maintained according to OSHA standards on an ongoing basis as recordable illnesses and injuries occur at your jobsite. Form 300A summarizes the workplace illnesses and injuries for that year and must be posted in the workplace every year by February 1, and must remain posted until April 30.
For the complete list of mistakes, we recommend reading part two and part three, which concludes our series.
If you would like to speak with an OSHA defense attorney, please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.