Transparent and accurate incident reporting plays a key role in determining the overall state of workplace safety, identifying areas for improvement and helping prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Many companies are working on finalizing their recordable injury and illness information from calendar year 2021 and submitting this information to relevant organizations.

In addition to submitting recordable injury and illness information to OSHA, ISN Hiring Clients also require contractors and suppliers submit their 300A Summary and 300 Log into ISNetworld by March 1, 2022.

To further help with completing recordable injury and illness information, here are some best practices and tips.

How OSHA Defines a Recordable Incident

If an injury or illness occurred that required more than first aid, it is considered recordable. To see what OSHA determines as first aid, please click here. As stated on the OSHA website, an injury or illness is recordable if it fits one or more of the following:

  • Any work-related fatality.
  • Any work-related injury or illness that results in loss of consciousness, days away from work, restricted work, or transfer to another job.
  • Any work-related injury or illness requiring medical treatment beyond first aid.
  • Any work-related diagnosed case of cancer, chronic irreversible diseases, fractured or cracked bones or teeth, or punctured eardrums.
  • There are also special recording criteria for work-related cases involving: needlesticks and sharps injuries; medical removal; hearing loss; and tuberculosis.

When to Record COVID-19 Related Events

Please reference OSHA’s FAQ page to stay updated on COVID-19 information, including when to record COVID-19 on an OSHA 300 Log. Per OSHA, “COVID-19 can be a recordable illness if a worker is infected as a result of performing its work-related duties.” The following need to be true for an employer to be responsible for recording the illness:

  • The case is a confirmed case of COVID-19 (see CDC information on persons under investigation and presumptive positive and laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19);
  • The case is work-related (as defined by 29 CFR 1904.5); and
  • The case involves one or more of the general recording criteria set forth in 29 CFR 1904.7 (e.g., medical treatment beyond first aid, days away from work).

Helpful Resources

  • Electronic submissions to OSHA can be completed in its Injury Tracking Application, which also includes some helpful FAQs to guide companies through the process.
  • OSHA provides a fillable form to help with entering incidents.