OSHA recently determined that more than a third of injury reports that should be submitted online by workplaces in the United States are not.
As a reminder, there are two scenarios that require employers to file injury reports online:
- An organization has at least 250 employees and is currently required to keep an OSHA log
- An organization has 20-249 employees and is classified in an industry with historically high rates of injuries
OSHA enforces these reporting requirements and will issue an “other-than-serious” citation if a workplace does not comply. In addition, they will conduct a mass mailing outreach to employers who do not submit their Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses or 300A form.
There is a fine line between reporting injuries when necessary but not over reporting injuries. So, when must you file?
If the injury results in any of the following, it must be reported:
- Death
- Loss of consciousness
- Days away from work
- Restricted work
- Job transfer
- Medical treatment beyond first aid
What counts as first aid treatment?
- Using non-prescription medication at non-prescription strength
- Administering a Tetanus shot
- Cleaning, flushing or soaking a wound
- Using a bandage, gauze pad or butterfly stitch
- Hot or cold therapy
- Utilizing non-rigid means of support
How do you know if your industry is classified as having particularly high injury rates? OSHA identifies those here.
Click here for instructions on how to file an injury report.