The OSHA Reporting Checklist Every Employer Should Keep Handy

OSHA, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is a United States federal agency that is responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for employees. OSHA requires employers to report certain workplace incidents and injuries to ensure that proper measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. Reporting helps OSHA track workplace safety trends and enforce regulations. 

Here are some key points about OSHA reporting: 

1. Reportable Incidents:Employersare required to report the following types of incidents to OSHA: 

• • Fatalities: Any work-related death must be reported within 8 hours. 

• • Severe Injuries: Injuries such as amputations, loss of an eye, or inpatient hospitalizations must be reported within 24 hours. 

2. Reporting Methods:Employers can report incidents to OSHA using several methods:

• • Phone: Call the nearest OSHA office or the 24-hour OSHA hotline. 

• • Online: Use the OSHA reporting website to submit a report. 

• • Fax/Mail: Fax or mail a completed OSHA Form 301 (Injury and Illness Incident Report) or an equivalent form. 

3. Exemptions:Certain industries and employers are partially exempt from OSHA injury and illness recordkeeping and reporting requirements if they have fewer than 10 employees or are in a low-hazard industry.
4. Recordkeeping:In addition to reporting, employers may need tomaintain records of workplace injuries and illnesses using OSHA Form 300 (Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses) and related forms. 
5. Non-Retaliation:Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees for reporting workplace injuries or illnesses. Employees have the right to report incidents without fear of reprisal.
6. State OSHA Plans:Some states have their own OSHA-approved State Plans that regulate workplace safety and health.These states may have reporting requirements that differ from federal OSHA. 
7. OSHA Inspections:OSHA may conduct inspections in response to reported incidents or as part of their routine enforcement efforts to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

It’s important to note that the information provided here is based on the status of OSHA regulations up until September 2021. OSHA regulations can change over time, so it’s recommended to visit the official OSHA website or consult with legal experts to ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding OSHA reporting requirements.