Has your business posted its annual Occupational Safety and Health Administration Act’s (OSHA) 300A summary of work-related injuries and illnesses? Didn’t realize that the posting was due on February 1? Don’t know what the OSHA 300A is, if you are subject to it or why you should care? Then read on for more information. 

The Reports

OSHA requires certain employers to record and report work-related fatalities, injuries and illnesses. While exemptions may apply based on company size (i.e., fewer than 10 employees) or in certain low-risk environments (generally white collar industries), all employers are required to record such incidents if requested to do so by OSHA. Recording is mandatory if a workplace incident results in a fatality or hospitalization of three of more employees.

OSHA requires employers to complete several forms to record such incidents. Among these forms are the OSHA 300 and the OSHA 300A.

The OSHA 300 Form

The OSHA 300 form is known as the “Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses.” It is required whenever there is a new, work-related incident that involves death, days away from work, restricted work or transfer to another job, medical treatment beyond first aid, loss of consciousness, or a significant illness or injury diagnosed by a licensed health care provider. OSHA provides specific criteria for what is considered a new, work-related incident. The OSHA 300 form must be completed within seven (7) calendar days of receiving information that a qualifying incident has occurred.

The OSHA 300A Form

The OSHA 300A form, the “Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses,” is the annual compilation and certification of entries from the OSHA 300. At the end of each calendar year, covered employers are required to review, update and correct all information from the OSHA 300 and enter it into the OSHA 300A. A company executive must certify that the information contained in the 300A is true and accurate. Just as OSHA has provided criteria for determining when an occurrence qualifies as a new, work-related incident, there are specific criteria identifying who can be considered a company executive.

The Where and When

By February 1 of each year, the OSHA 300A must be posted in a conspicuous place in each establishment where employee notices are customarily posted (usually the company cafeteria or break room). The report must remain posted until April 30 of each year. OSHA can impose penalties for a covered employer’s failure to post the 30

This article was co-authored by Christina Archer.