Safety First: 4 Steps to Completing and Submitting OSHA Form 300A
Workplace safety is a priority that should never be overlooked in a small business where innovation and growth take center stage. As we approach March 2, it's time to ensure that your small business is on track with its safety reporting obligations.
This blog post will guide you through the process of completing and submitting OSHA Form 300A, a crucial step in demonstrating your commitment to a safe and healthy work environment and includes other safety compliance information.
Understanding OSHA Form 300A
What is OSHA Form 300A? The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires certain employers to keep and maintain records of work-related injuries and illnesses. OSHA Form 300A: Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses, is a summary of the OSHA 300: Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses which details incidents that occurred throughout the previous year.
Who is required to complete OSHA Form 300A? Companies with 10 or fewer employees at all times in the previous calendar year are exempt from keeping OSHA injury and illness records. As a reminder, all employers must report to OSHA any work-related incident that results in a fatality, the in-patient hospitalization of one or more employees, an employee amputation, or an employee loss of an eye. Those reports should be reported here.
Some industries are exempt from completing OSHA Form 300A altogether. The list of industries frequently changes, so it’s important to discuss your business’ specific requirements with an HR Consultant like CPR.
Key Steps for Completing and Submitting OSHA Form 300A
Review OSHA Recordkeeping Requirements
Action: Familiarize yourself with OSHA recordkeeping requirements to ensure compliance. Staying informed about OSHA guidelines helps prevent recordkeeping errors and ensures accurate reporting. Logging required injuries and illnesses as they occur throughout the year is best practice, rather than waiting until completing OSHA Form 300A.
Gather Necessary Data
Action: Compile information on all recordable injuries and illnesses that occurred in your workplace during the previous calendar year using OSHA 300 Log. If completed correctly and promptly throughout the year, your OSHA 300 Log will include accurate and comprehensive data for completing OSHA Form 300A.
Complete & Display OSHA Form 300A
Action: Fill out the required fields on Form 300A, including the total number of cases, days away from work, and specific injury and illness categories. After completing Form 300A, have a company executive review and certify the accuracy of the information. Display the Summary Page in a visible location for employees from February 1 to April 30 of the year following the year covered by the form.
Submit Form Electronically
Action: Check here to see if your business falls within the requirements for electronic submission. If so, submit Form 300A through OSHA's online portal called Injury Tracking Application (ITA) Coverage Application. Some states have their own OSHA reporting requirements and those can be found here.
OSHA penalties are adjusted for inflation every year and every January, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) increases the penalties. Effective January 16, 2024, the maximum penalty is $16,131 per violation. There may be additional state fines depending on where your business operates.
The Risk of Non-Compliance
The risk of non-compliance can be costly. OSHA penalties are adjusted for inflation every year and every January, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) increases the penalties. Effective January 16, 2024, the maximum penalty is $16,131 per violation. There may be additional state fines depending on where your business operates.
Final Thoughts
Completing and submitting OSHA Form 300A is not just a regulatory obligation; it's a testament to your small business’ dedication to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace. By following the outlined steps and ensuring timely submission on March 2 your business can showcase its commitment to safety, foster a positive work culture, and navigate the regulatory landscape with confidence. Contact CPR today to help you navigate your safety strategy!
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.
