This month, employers with 11 or more employees must post a summary of the total number of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred in 2000, said OSHA.
The summary must remain posted from Feb. 1 to March 1, 2001.
Since 1972, employers have been required to post the annual totals of the information contained at the right-hand portion of the OSHA Form 200, "Log and Summary of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses."
The form must be displayed wherever notices to employees are usually posted.
The right-hand portion of the OSHA Form 200 includes information on type of injury and illness, extent and outcome. This information alerts employees to potential hazards.
Employees, former employees and their designated representatives and OSHA officials have the right to access the entire Form 200.
OSHA said companies with no injuries and illnesses in 2000 must post the form with zeros on the total line.
The person who prepares the annual summary must certify that the totals are correct and sign the form.
Employers must make a copy of the summary available to employees who move from worksite to worksite, such as construction workers, and employees who do not report to any fixed establishment on a regular basis, the agency noted.
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.
by Virginia Sutcliffe