By: Lizbeth West, Esq.
What is it? OSHA Form 300A is a form that summarizes the total number of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred during 2013. The form must be posted no later than February 1, 2014 and must remain posted through April 30, 2014.
What must the OSHA Form 300A contain? The total number of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred in 2013 and were logged on an OSHA Form 300 (Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses). Also, to assist in calculating incidence rates, information about the annual average number of employees and total hours worked during the calendar year is also required to be recorded. According to OSHA, if a company recorded no injuries or illnesses in 2013, the employer must enter "zero" on the total line on the OSHA 300A form and still post the form. The form must be signed and certified by a company executive.
What is recordable on OSHA Form 300 under OSHA’s Recordkeeping Regulation?
- All work-related fatalities.
- All work-related injuries and illnesses that result in days away from work, restricted work or transfer to another job, loss of consciousness or medical treatment beyond first aid.
- Significant work-related injuries or illnesses diagnosed by a physician or other licensed health care professional, even if it does not result in death, days away from work, restricted work or job transfer, medical treatment beyond first aid, or loss of consciousness.
- Injuries include cases such as, but not limited to, a cut, fracture, sprain, or amputation.
- Illnesses include both acute and chronic illnesses, such as, but not limited to, a skin disease (i.e. contact dermatitis), respiratory disorder (i.e. occupational asthma, pneumoconiosis), or poisoning (i.e. lead poisoning, solvent intoxication).
OSHA’s definition of work-related injuries, illnesses and fatalities are those in which an event or exposure in the work environment either caused or contributed to the condition. In addition, if an event or exposure in the work environment significantly aggravated a pre-existing injury or illness, this is also considered work-related.
Where does the OSHA Form 300A have to be posted? Form 300A should be displayed in a common area where other notices to employees are usually posted.
Do small employers have to post an OSHA Form 300A? Employers with 10 or fewer employees and employers in certain industries may be exempt from federal OSHA injury and illness recordkeeping and posting requirements. Employers can find a complete list of exempt industries in the retail, services, finance, insurance and real estate sectors on OSHA’s website.
Where can employers get copies of OSHA Forms 300 and 300A? Copies of OSHA Forms 300 and 300A, and more information on recordkeeping and posting requirements can be obtained from the OSHA’s website. https://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/index.html.