OSHA Outlines Recordkeeping Requirements

March 18, 2013- The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act requires covered employers to provide a safe workplace and to meet several reporting requirements, including keeping records of workplace injuries and illnesses. OSHA outlines all of its recording requirements, including which types of injuries or illnesses should be recorded.

There are two exceptions to OSHA’s recordkeeping requirements:

First, businesses with 10 or fewer employees must keep records only if the agency requires it. If fewer than 10 workers were employed over the previous year, then organizations do not need to complete recordkeeping forms. When counting employees, business owners must include full-time, part-time, temporary and seasonal workers. This exemption applies to the entire company rather than just the establishment, meaning that total employment would include multiple locations.

The second exemption is for establishments classified in certain industries. For example, restaurants, banks and medical offices do not have to complete the forms, as well as a list of other exempt industries, which can be found on OSHA’s recordkeeping page.

Every employer must report the death of a worker or overnight hospitalization of three or more workers, regardless of their reporting requirements. Employers who don’t comply with these requirements risk fines and penalties.

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