March 2nd is the new deadline to electronically report your OSHA 300A (summary of work related injury and illness) for 2018 data. If you are currently tracking this information with OSHA 300, this will be a brand new means and deadline for reporting. According to OSHA’s website, certain high-risk industries are required to report by this date. It is in your best interest to be proactive and see if your company is included in that, and not rely on OSHA to notify you.
If you are not sure if you need to file, these requirement guidelines may be helpful:
- Less than 10 employees are exempt.
- Establishments with 20-249 employees in certain high-risk industries must submit information from their 2018 Form 300A by March 2, 2019. Check link to see if you are an industry that is required to report.
- Required establishments with 250 or more employees are also required to submit the 300A digitally.
If you need to file electronically- follow this link to the ITA portal. It only takes about 10 minutes to set up your account and another 10 minutes to report.
It is important to understand that the final rule is asking for only the 300A to be reported electronically. The 300 and the 301 should be documented as usual and kept in your business but are not required to be reported through the ITA portal. OSHA always likes to see the documentation at your business and will ask for it if you have a visit. With the new reporting date I have been told by OSHA that they will ask you and may already have record if you have not electronically reported the 300A by the March 2nd deadline and that could result in a citation.
Please remember that the 300A will also need to be posted as usual in a conspicuous location within your business from February 1st-April 30th.
It is a proven fact that documentation and attention to detail go a long way if you have an OSHA compliance officer in your business. You can bet they will be detailed in their investigation and keeping up with changes like this show that you are detailed as well. If you would like more information on this topic or have any questions please feel free to reach out.
Ryan Burns is a Commercial Account Executive with Baer Insurance Services. He specializes in construction and manufacturing. Ryan is a former contractor who takes pride in truly understanding his clients industry.