The summary is based on the total number of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred in 2002 and were logged on the OSHA 300 form. Companies with no injuries and illnesses in 2002 should post the form with zeros on the total line. Summaries must remain posted from Feb. 1 to April 30 and be displayed in a common area.
The summary includes information on type of injury and illness, extent and outcome and alerts employees to possible hazards. Employment information regarding annual average number of employees and total hours worked during the calendar year is also required to assist in calculating incidence rates.
Employers with 10 or fewer employees and employers in certain industry groups are normally exempt from federal OSHA injury and illness recordkeeping and posting requirements. A complete list of exempt industries in the retail, services, finance and real estate sectors is posted on OSHA's Web site at www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/ppt1/RK1exempttable.html. Exempted employers may still be selected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to participate in an annual statistical survey.
All employers covered by OSHA need to comply with safety and health standards and must report verbally within eight hours to the nearest OSHA office all accidents that result in one or more fatalities or in the hospitalization of three or more employees. Fatalities involving fatal heart attacks must also be reported to OSHA, but fatalities involving motor vehicle accidents (except in a construction work zone) or commercial or public transportation systems do not need to be reported to OSHA. After hours calls to report accidents can be made toll free by calling 1-800-321-OSHA.
Copies of the OSHA Forms 300, 300A and 301 are available from local OSHA offices.