Every year at this time [Feb. 1] OSHA requires employers to post the OSHA Form 300-A. It must remain posted until April 30. This is printed on the forms. The Standard that applies is 29 CFR 1904.32. It reads [in part]:
1904.32(a): Basic requirement. At the end of each calendar year, you must:
1904.32(a)(1): Review the OSHA 300 Log to verify that the entries are complete and accurate, and correct any deficiencies identified;
1904.32.(a)(2): Create an annual summary of injuries and illnesses recorded on the OSHA 300 Log;
1904.32(a)(3): Certify the summary; and
1904.32(a)(4): Post the annual summary.
If you have the latest hard copy of the OSHA Standards [29 CFR 1900 – 1910; Revised 2011-07-01] it is on page 58. As with most regulations there have been a couple Interpretations of what the Standard means. You can find them both here.
If they are not posted in your workplace find out why as soon as possible. It is a violation of the OSH Act of 1970 to not post them, leave them incomplete, inaccurate or to falsify the information on the Summary. It is also important that they are posted where they are accessible to workers to review.
It is also the time of year WisCOSH recommends that workers, or their representative(s), ask for their copy of the OSHA 300 Logs. WisCOSH recommends this so that it is easier to remember to do it each year. If you have never requested them before you should ask for all of them. If you have previously requested copy(s) of the OSHA 300 Log(s) then you should ask for 2012 and any updates since last year. Your employer must provide these to you. Free of charge. If you ask for more than one copy your employer can charge you for any additional copies at whatever cost they choose. So make your own copies!
If you are an employer, a worker or a worker representative and you want to know more about OSHA’s Recordkeeping Requirements you should join WisCOSH for it’s “Understanding OSHA’s Recordkeeping Requirements” class. WisCOSH can help you set up or join a class. This class is FREE!! That’s right, it’s one of the many available under our DOL/OSHA Susan Harwood Institutional Capacity Building Grant.
Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA‘s role is to assure the safety and health of America’s workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.