OSHA Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements

recordkeeping-ruleOver the last couple of years, there has been so much talk among countertop professionals about OSHA’s new silica rule, that it is easy to forget all of the other regulations that must be followed under federal and state law. Although most regulations are directly aimed at keeping workers in the U.S. safe and healthy, several administrative rules are also in place, including recordkeeping requirements, which are set forth in Standard 29 CFR 1904.

Less than two short years ago, the recordkeeping rule only required employers to report work-related fatalities and hospitalizations invoicing three or more employees, but as of January 1, 2015, the reporting requires were expanded to include all of the following:

  • Work-related fatalities
  • All work-related hospitalizations regardless of the number of employees
  • Work-related losses of one or both eyes
  • Work-related amputations

Who Must Report Injuries and Fatalities?

Some employers mistakenly believe that they are not required to report workplace injuries and deaths because they are exempt from having to keep routine records of these unfortunate accidents. However, recordkeeping should not be confused with reporting. The new rule clearly states that “all employers under OSHA jurisdiction” must comply with federal or state injury-reporting requirements even if they are exempt from recordkeeping.

When Must Reports Be Submitted?

To comply with the rule, employers must report injuries and fatalities relatively quickly. If a fatality occurs within 30 days of a work-related accident/incident, it must be reported to OSHA within 8 hours of discovering it. For inpatient hospitalizations, losses of one or more eyes and amputations, employers have 24 hours to submit reports.

How to Report Worker Injuries and Fatalities

It is recommended that employee injuries and fatalities are reported by telephone to the nearest OSHA office. However, these offices are only open during standard business hours Monday through Friday. If reports must be submitted outside of this time, employers must call the 24-hour OSHA hotline at (800) 321-OSHA (6742).

This reporting system, however, is set to change January 1, 2017. After this date, most employers will no longer be able to submit reports over the phone. OSHA will have an electronic reporting system available on its website, and all reports will have to be entered in the computer. When these reports are entered, they are saved in OSHA’s database so that they can be compiled for later research on workplace hazards.

This rule includes additional provisions that are meant to encourage employees to report all accidents to their supervisors, and it prevents employers from retaliating against workers who report accidents.

The electronic reporting rule only affects employers that have been deemed to run businesses that pose significant safety and health risks to its workers, and countertop fabrication and construction are among such businesses. However, if the company has fewer than 20 employees, reports may still be made over the phone.

For further information on the OSHA recordkeeping and reporting rule, visit www.osha.gov/recordkeeping2014 or call the nearest OSHA office.