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
