OSHA requires employers in Georgia and across the U.S. to record workplace injuries and illnesses on a log called Form 300. Failure to do this can lead to penalties, so it’s important that employers know what falls under the requirement.
First, all serious injuries must be recorded, including injuries that lead to workers losing consciousness, having to take time off work, being transferred to a different job, and facing restrictions when they continue the same work they have been doing. OSHA also requires that injuries be recorded when they lead to medical treatment beyond the initial use of first aid.
Many employers are unaware of the requirements, and those who are may still have trouble navigating the gray areas in the regulations. This is where a checklist from XpertHR, the human resources tool provider, can help. It has released a Top 10 Q&As and Checklist for OSHA Compliance that goes over this subject and even provides real-world scenarios together with the steps one would take to evaluate them in light of OSHA regulations.
These scenarios included cases of workers fainting on the job, being hurt on business trips, developing an illness during seasonal work, and suffering from ergonomic injuries. With this tool, employers can know what meets OSHA criteria for recording and what does not.
Employees who are injured, regardless of who was at fault, can pursue a claim under workers’ compensation law. However, they may still face opposition from their employer, which is one reason why they may want a lawyer to assist with the claim. The lawyer may mount an appeal on their behalf and even tell them about the possibility of filing for a liability or non-liability settlement. A successful claim might cover all medical expenses and a percentage of lost wages.
