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There’s a lot of confusion
on OSHA’s new recording standards that went into effect January 1, 2002. To
clear up the confusion (hopefully!) here are the standards in a nutshell:
OSHA 301 - The new OSHA 301 report is nothing more than
an updated version of the OSHA 100, which you were required to fill out for
every reportable injury you incurred in the past.
Question: Do I have to complete a OSHA 301 on every
reportable injury my company incurs?
Answer: No. Just like the old OSHA 100
report you have the option of completing an OSHA 301 or an
"equivalent" report. You can complete your company’s report,
insurance carrier’s report or your state's "First Report of Injury"
as an "equivalent" to the OSHA 300. This is what most companies have
done in the past... and the reason why many folks have never even heard of the
OSHA 100.
OSHA 300 & 300A - The new OSHA 300 & 300A are
nothing more than the old OSHA 200 broken down into 2 reports. Remember the OSHA
200 with the log listing of injuries & illnesses on one side and the
summary, which you had to post, on the other side? Well now the OSHA 300
replaces the log listing of the OSHA 200 and the OSHA 300A replaces the summary
of the OSHA 200.
Question: Do I have to log all reportable injuries on the
OSHA 300?
Answer: Yes. All "reportable"
injuries must be logged on the OSHA 300 after January 1, 2002.
Question: Do I have to post the new 300A in 2002.
Answer: No. You must post the OSHA 200 in 2002 for the year 2001.
You will have to post the 300A in 2003 for the year 2002.
Question: Is there a specific posting requirement?
Answer: Yes. The OSHA 300A must be posted
in your establishment from February 1st to April 30th of each year. This is a
change from the old OSHA 200 which only had to be posted from February 1st to
March 1st of each year.
What’s New Then? Although the new record-keeping is
nothing more than an update to the old reporting standards there are some
interesting new features.
Incidence Rate Calculation.
In the record-keeping standards a Incidence Rate calculation sheet is
included to determine your company’s incidence rate. This is new and quite
handy. The standards don’t require you to complete this but it is just
good safety practice to know what your incidence rate is.
More Detail.
The new reports contain more detail than the old reports and are easier to
read and understand. They are really a good improvement to the old
record-keeping standards. Be sure to read them over carefully in order to
fully understand what is expected of you.
New Illness & Injury
Classifications. Although OSHA has delayed the
"Ergonomics" standard there are some consolidations of the
classifications that you will have to be very careful of when reporting.
Again, read the reports and instructions carefully. Another thing to
keep in mind is the definition of "reportable". Just because an
employee goes to the hospital does not make the injury
"reportable". Be certain you understand the difference between
"First-Aid" and "Medical Treatment".
Where can I get More Help and Information on
understanding the new OSHA Record-keeping Standards?
SafeTrac Solutions, Inc - (800) 577-8797
or
www.osha.gov
You can download the report forms and related information
from OSHA’s Website if you have Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Did you know SafeTrac Solutions'
LossTrax Software generates your OSHA 301, 300 & 300A with just a click
of the mouse?
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