(OSHA) Annual FORM 300's are due: Employers Must Post OSHA Recordkeeping Summary by February 1st

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has made a public announcement reminding employers that they must post the total number of job-related illnesses and injuries that took place through the course of a year. The statement must be provided by the end of April, 2014. The form to be focusing on is the Form 300, and not the 300 Log provided by OSHA. The forms are accepted from February 1, 2014, until April 30, 2014.

Employers’ Responsibilities Pertaining to Worker Safety

It is no easy task maintaining the actual job-related illnesses and injuries because there is rarely anything that can be reported unless the incident is a major one. Even such events when companies try to keep things under wraps so as to protect a company’s public image and avoid losing out on their buyers, workers, and brand loyalty, it is important that employers do not neglect the health conditions of their employees and keep a constant track of how the work environment is affecting their systems.

To avoid any discrepancies in the information provided, the forms are to be kept in a place where it is publicly available so that employees are able to double-check what information is provided and even take legal action if employers fail to mention certain health hazards to save the company’s face. OSHA’s main aim is to reduce the bias in working environments and increase the safety standards of all work places.

Avoiding Work Place Hazards

Work place accidents are very common, especially if you are in the industrial line of business. Operating heavy machinery, power tools and other dangerous equipment can be extremely hazardous if not done properly. Also, increasing safety standards often involves increasing company costs as well as reducing productivity to a certain extent. By following the protocol provided while using such industrial goods, companies are liable in case there is any event of an accident.

Even if there is an accident though, OSHA ensures that it is publicly announced so that an awareness is created, and so companies start to take more preventive measures rather than trying to deal with situations after mishaps have already taken place. The whole system simply provides for a fair environment where there is a free flow of information, ensuring the safety of employees countrywide.

Source: hrreseource.com