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The deadline for most employers to submit their logs on injury and illness data to OSHA is fast approaching, so make sure your data is compiled, logged, and submitted on time.
The Deadline to Submit
As we have written about in the past, according to OSHA’s Final Rule for recordkeeping regulation, March 2nd, 2021 is the deadline for employers to electronically submit form 300A data summarizing work-related injuries and illnesses from the 2020 calendar year. This data reporting is important for employers and workers in addition to OSHA, as it helps the administration better evaluate industry hazards, workplace injuries, and how best to implement protections and resources to reduce and eliminate future hazards.
Updates for Submissions
Before employers submit their data, though, they should double-check exactly what they’re submitting. In the past few years, there have been slight updates to the submission requirements. Previously, OSHA required certain employers (those with 250+ employees) to also submit forms 300 and 301. However, according to the Final Rule effective February 25th, 2019, those employers no longer need to submit these forms. That said, record retention requirements for compliance purposes have largely stayed the same — employers still have an obligation to fill out and retain forms 300, 300A, and 301 for five years.
Filling Out Form 300A
Filling out the necessary form 300A for submission can be a bit tricky, and accuracy in reporting is particularly important. For instance, it’s important that injuries being reported are classified correctly, and that it’s understood which employees need to be included in the summary calculation. In general, it’s important to note which injuries need to reported, per OSHA guidelines. Here is a summary of what OSHA defines as a qualifying “recordable injury or illness”:
- Any work-related fatality.
- Any work-related injury or illness that results in loss of consciousness, days away from work, restricted work, or transfer to another job.
- Any work-related injury or illness requiring medical treatment beyond first aid.
- Any work-related diagnosed case of cancer, chronic irreversible diseases, fractured or cracked bones or teeth, and punctured eardrums.
- There are also special recording criteria for work-related cases involving: needlesticks and sharps injuries, medical removal, hearing loss, and tuberculosis.
Fortunately, employers can receive assistance when putting together the form 300A to ensure accuracy in their records. Per the FAQs on reporting requirements, third-parties, such as Optimum Safety Management, can assist with the completion and submission of form 300A for employers. These services go hand-in-hand with Optimum’s ability to help navigate compliance processes and avoid safety citations. Employers should do their part before the deadline hits, and ensure that the injury data being reported and maintained is as accurate as possible, with the help of Optimum Safety Management.
Optimum Safety Management provides the information and services to help companies develop safety leaders and improve overall safety performance. For more information on how Optimum Safety Management can assist with your businesses’ safety needs, contact an expert today, or reach out via phone at 630-759-9908.
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