As the calendar flips to a new year, employers across the United States must turn their attention to an important compliance requirement: the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) 300A Summary posting. This annual obligation, integral to workplace safety and health transparency, calls for diligence and accuracy from employers.
Understanding the OSHA 300A Summary Requirement
OSHA's recordkeeping regulations mandate that certain employers maintain a log (OSHA 300 Log) of work-related injuries and illnesses throughout the year. As the year concludes, this log serves as the basis for completing the 300A Summary – a condensed record highlighting the total number of job-related injuries and illnesses logged over the year.
Posting Period and Location
Employers are required to post their 300A Summary from February 1 through April 30. The posting must be physically visible in a common area where employees typically find other notices, ensuring easy accessibility for review. During this period, it's crucial that the Summary remains intact – unaltered and undamaged.
No Injuries? You Still Must Post
An important note for employers who had a fortunate year with no recordable work-related injuries or illnesses: the 300A Summary must still be completed and posted. This zero-reporting is a vital part of OSHA’s data collection and plays a role in national workplace safety assessments.
Electronic Submission for Certain Employers
Establishments that meet certain size and industry criteria are required to electronically submit injury and illness data from their OSHA Form 300A, 300, and 301 (or equivalent forms) once per year to OSHA. OSHA collects this work-related injury and illness data through the Injury Tracking Application (ITA). The ITA launch page also has answers to frequently asked questions.
Preparing for Compliance
Employers should take proactive steps to ensure their OSHA 300 Log is accurate and complete. This involves reviewing all entries, verifying the data, and preparing the 300A Summary with utmost care. For those subject to electronic reporting, familiarizing themselves with the ITA system in advance of the deadline is advisable.
Compliance with OSHA’s recordkeeping requirements is not just a legal obligation but a commitment to workplace safety and health. By accurately completing and duly posting the 300A Summary – and submitting data electronically where required – employers play a crucial role in fostering a culture of safety and transparency in the workplace.
Compliance is a moving target. Changes at the federal, state, and local levels can make HR leaders and business owners uneasy. Keeping up with everything can be a full-time job.
HCCI's HR Executives and Attorneys bring over 40 years of combined experience, helping customers mitigate risk and stay ahead of regulations. To learn more, feel free to reach out to us and schedule a free consultation call.
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