Keep in mind that an OSHA log is an important part, but does not include all types of injuries and incidents that could have resulted in employee injury or those that only resulted in property damage. You need to keep track of all incidents to make your workplace safe.

Change is on the way, current requirements still apply
OSHA has issued a proposed standard for public input which means the existing requirements will likely change in the near future. For now, employers with more than 10 employees are required to report according to the current standards. Some lower hazard business sectors are typically exempt from recordkeeping. Visit OSHA’s website to find out if you are exempt. It’s important to note that if OSHA or the Bureau of Labor Statistics has requested your company to maintain a recordkeeping log, you are still required to do so even if you are on the exempt list.

All employers, including those that are exempt from OSHA recordkeeping requirements, must report to OSHA at 1.800.321.OSHA (6742) any incident that results in a fatality or the in-patient hospitalization of three or more workers within eight hours of occurrence.

OSHA logs that must be maintained
Employers that are not exempt from OSHA recordkeeping requirements must maintain three different logs. These forms must be kept up-to-date for five years after the year they cover. Unless requested, you do not have to mail these to OSHA. Download each of the forms in PDF or Excel format.

OSHA Form 300 (Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses)

• Lists injuries and illnesses, and tracks days away from work, days of restricted work or transferred
• Maintained and updated throughout the year as incidents occur and must be filled within seven days of the injury
• Refer to OSHA’s Recordkeeping Tutorial and the full standard for details.

OSHA Form 301 (Injury and Illness Incident Report)

• Records supplementary information about each recordable case 
• A new form for each injury is added throughout the year as incidents occur.

OSHA Form 300A (Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses)

• Displays the totals for the year in each category. This must be posted in the workplace from Feb. 1 through April 30 each year for the prior year’s injuries and illnesses. 
• Even if no recordable injuries occurred during the year, you are still obligated to post this form.

Visit OSHA’s recordkeeping page for everything you need to know, including which types of businesses need to maintain the records and what qualifies as an OSHA recordable injury. 

Slips, trips and falls are a major cause of employee injuries in Missouri and the second-most common work-related injury in the United States. A U.S. Department of Labor study shows that the average cost for treating slip, trip and fall injuries is $28,000. The good news is that you can do something about the frequency of slip, trip and fall injuries.

Prevent slips, trips and falls where they start.

• Stairways and ramps
• Loose tiles, loose carpet squares or worn out floor runners
• In close or direct proximity with young children
• Around storage areas, table or chair legs
• In restrooms or kitchen areas with wet floors
• Parking lots, curbs and gutters along sidewalks and school entrances

Take action now to prevent future injuries.

• Review your workers compensation injury records and the financial impact.
• Download safety resources from our school safety tutorial and share them with staff members.
• Add a safety tip during regularly scheduled meetings.
• Survey all walking and working surfaces for potential slip and trip hazards.
• Plan ahead, and be prepared to keep walking and working surfaces safe during winter weather.
• Require slip-resistant footwear when working both indoors and outdoors.
• Send regular safety-related emails and texts to all employees.

Encourage employees to be an active part of their safety every day.

• Report slip and trip hazards immediately.
• Keep work areas organized and free of trip hazards.
• Clean up spills immediately.
• Walk slowly and avoid running.
• Use handrails on stairs, and don’t carry boxes or items that block your view.
• Use ladders properly, don’t over-reach and do not stand on chairs.
• Wear over-the-shoe ice cleats when needed.
• Wear rubber-soled shoes with tread when working or walking outdoors.
• Report all injuries immediately.

Implementing these safety strategies in your buildings will have an impact on the health of your employees and your bottom line. Is your experience modifier rate over 1.0? If so, your school is experiencing too many injuries and paying more for workers compensation premium than other safer schools.

Your safety efforts must improve in order to get control of injuries and associated insurance costs. MEM can help your school create a plan to reduce injuries and control workers compensation costs. MEM policyholders should contact our Loss Prevention Department for a consultation at 1.888.499.SAFE (7233) or worksafe@worksafecenter.com. Check out other safety resources available on WorkSAFE Center including the school safety rules.