OSHA: Employers must Post Their OSHA 300A Summary

​     The Occupational Safety & Health Act of 1970 provides all workers in the United Sates with certain rights and protections regarding their personal safety and health while on the job.  One of the basic rights granted to workers is the right to know about the serious injuries and illnesses that are occurring in their workplace. Employers with more than 10 employees are required to keep and maintain a log of the serious injuries and illnesses that occur in their workplaces. 

Injured Worker with Opioids

​Let’s look at some basics of what is referred to as the OSHA 300 Log:

• Employers only enter​ “Recordable” incidents. There are many criteria for determining whether or not an injury or illness is a “Recordable,” however the fundamental requirement is if the employee required more than basic “first aid” treatment. A Recordable incidents also includes all fatalities, days away from work, job transfers, as well as any treatment that goes beyond first aid. The key is understanding OSHA’s definition of “First Aid.”
• Must maintain 5 years of OSHA 300 logs on file (OSHA would likely request these records if completing a comprehensive enforcement inspection and can issue fines for failure to have them.)
• Post a Summary of the OSHA 300 Log annually in a conspicuous location where for all employees to review it. This posting must be maintained between February 1st thru April 30th of each year.

First Aid Kit

     The idea is pretty simple. By making employees aware of where the serious injuries and illnesses are occurring, within their workplace, employees can better prepare themselves for the potential hazards they’ll face when entering or working in those areas. 

     OSHA notes that employers with 10 or fewer employees or who work in certain low-hazard industries are not required to post the summary. So, if your workplace has more than 10 employees, look around and find the OSHA 300A – Summary and review it. If you don’t find it, ask your supervisor or site safety professional for its location.