Workplace Safety Awareness Council Blog

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Why is OSHA Recordkeeping Such a Hot Topic?
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This month, OSHA will begin a National Emphasis Program (NEP) on injury and illness record keeping. OSHA plans to review the record keeping practices of employers with low incidence rates in typically high-injury industries.
The inspections will evaluate the following areas, according to a report from Constangy, Brooks and Smith LLP.

* Medical files for 2007 and 2008 occupational and non-occupational cases. Those may include 301 forms, workers’ compensation records, absentee records and audiograms.

* Employee and management interviews to determine effectiveness of the employer’s record keeping system.

* Record keeper interviews to determine knowledge and level of training, as well as any employer interference in proper record keeping.

* An inspection of the facility to confirm that hazards present match those on the record keeping forms.

This program is the result of Congressional hearings last year that questioned the effectiveness of OSHA’s injury and illness reporting.

http://www.wpsac.org/webinars.php?page=recordkeeping

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What Can You do to Prepare?
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To prepare for these OSHA inspections, we recommend that employers:

(1) Ensure that the employees responsibly for recordkeeping have been properly trained and training is documented;

(2) Make sure there is an OSHA 301 or its equivalent for every recordable case;

(3) Review all injury & illness cases from 2007 and 2008 to determine if they are accurately reflected in the OSHA 300 Logs

(4) Review the procedures for reporting injuries and illnesses within your company. Also, ensure that employee privacy is maintained as required by OSHA and HIPAA.

(5) If your company uses a safety incentive program, evaluate whether the incentive program discourages the reporting of work-related injuries or illnesses.

(6) Determine if superviosrs within your organization discourage employees from reporting workplace injuries and illnesses.

http://www.wpsac.org/webinars.php?page=recordkeeping

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You Can Also Attend the Essential OSHA Recordkeeping Webinar Next Week!
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Don't let another year go by wondering if you are following OSHA's rules for Injury and Illness Recordkeeping. Sign up now for this information and easy to follow webinar:

http://www.wpsac.org/webinars.php?page=recordkeeping

Labels: OSHA Form 300, OSHA Injury and Illness Recordkeeping, Workers Compensation