As we step into the new year, it’s time for employers to focus on a significant OSHA obligation – the annual Form 300A posting and the upcoming deadlines for electronic reporting.
What is OSHA Form 300A?
OSHA Form 300A is the Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses that employers are required to complete and post annually. This form provides a year-end snapshot of the health and safety incidents that occurred within a workplace.
Who Needs to Post Form 300A?
Starting on February 1, and running through April 30, employers that had 11 or more employees at any point in 2023 must post the Form 300A, except those in certain low-risk industries. This is a non-negotiable requirement — even if your business had zero accidents last year, you’re not off the hook.
The form must be filled out, certified by a company executive, and displayed in an area where you typically put notices to your employees. Not sure if you're exempt? The full list of low-risk industries, sorted by their North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes, can help you determine that.
Electronic Submission of Form 300A by March 2
There's also an electronic reporting obligation for larger establishments. If you had 250+ employees last year, or 20-249 employees in certain industries deemed high-risk, you must submit your Form 300A data online through OSHA’s Injury Tracking Application (ITA) by March 2, 2024. The size criteria here refer to employee counts at each specific establishment, not your company as a whole.
However, not everyone needs to submit electronically. If you’re exempt from routine recordkeeping, had fewer than 20 employees throughout last year, or aren’t in a high-risk industry (with 20-249 employees), you can breathe easier — OSHA doesn’t need your Form 300A online.
What’s New? Forms 300 and 301 Electronic Submission
For the first time, there are some new additions to the bunch. If you're a business in high-hazard industries with 100 or more employees, you’re also required to submit Forms 300 (Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses) and 301 (Injury and Illness Incident Report) through the ITA, alongside the Form 300A.
Businesses under federal OSHA's jurisdiction can use the ITA Coverage Application to find out if they need to submit electronically. Meanwhile, those operating under federated State Plans ought to check in with their State Plan for specific electronic reporting instructions.
The OSHA website is a treasure trove of further information, FAQs, and can guide you through the Injury Tracking Application if you're feeling lost.
Key Takeaways
Post Form 300A from February 1 to April 30 if you had 11 or more employees in 2023.
Electronically submit Form 300A by March 2, 2024, if you're a larger or high-risk establishment.
New requirement for selected industries: submit Forms 300 and 301 electronically in addition to 300A.
Utilize OSHA’s resources for guidance and support throughout the process.
Remember, it’s not just about ticking a compliance box; it's about being transparent regarding workplace health and safety — a priority that benefits us all. Whether you’re posting physically or reporting electronically, staying informed and on schedule with OSHA requirements helps ensure a safer workplace and can shield your business from potential fines and penalties.
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